3. Why might point of view play a role in how Mel's relationship is perceived by the reader?
(a) The narrator is neutral toward Mel's relationship, allowing for free interpretation by the reader.
(b) The story is told from Mel's point of view, so the reader only understands his relationship.
(c) Point of view does not play a significant role in the story.
(d) The narrator may feel negatively toward Mel's relationship, thereby influencing the reader's opinion.

4. In what part of the story does the exposition appear?
(a) The beginning.
(b) There is not exposition in this story.
(c) The middle.
(d) The end.

5. Which character has the dominant role in the story?
(a) Mel.
(b) Terri.
(c) Nick.
(d) Laura.

6. Did Mel truly love his first wife?
(a) Yes, they were deeply in love.
(b) Yes, and Mel is still in love with her.
(c) He thought he did but probably didn't.
(d) The author does not address this topic.

7. Which of the following characters are able to loosen up over the course of the story?
(a) Only Mel.
(b) All of them.
(c) Terri and Mel.
(d) Nick and Laura.

8. Which of the following is used as a symbol of lack of inhibition in the story?
(a) Prescription medication.
(b) Food.
(c) Alcohol.
(d) Cigarettes.

9. What literary device does the author use in portraying Mel's difficulty in understanding love despite his profession?
(a) Anastrophe.
(b) Irony.
(c) Emulation.
(d) Symbolism.

10. Which of the following symbolizes the hopelessness the characters feel about finding real love?
(a) The meal burning in the oven.
(b) The discovery that the group's favorite restaurant is closed.
(c) The glass spilling on the table.
(d) The rainstorm.

11. What aspects of the heart does Mel understand?
(a) The emotional nuances.
(b) The connotation.
(c) The physical properties.
(d) The concept of healing one broken by unrequited love.

12. According to the author, how common are the stages of love the couples are experiencing?
(a) They are universal.
(b) They are unique to these couples.
(c) They are common to Western European couples.
(d) They are common to couples their age.

13. How does the author characterize Nick?
(a) Reasonable and logical.
(b) Passive and observant.
(c) Gentle and compassionate.
(d) Loud and gregarious.

14. Which of the following best describes the mood of the old woman at the end of Mel's story?
(a) Calm.
(b) Anxious.
(c) Depressed.
(d) It is not clear.

15. Which of the following describes the literary device Carver uses when Terri and Mel talk about Terri's past relationship in detail?
(a) Symbolism.
(b) Imagery.
(c) Dramatic irony.
(d) Flashback.