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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are the two couples different from other people in a relationship?
(a) They have a weaker understanding of love.
(b) They have a better understanding of love.
(c) They are older than the average couple in love.
(d) They are no different.

2. Which of the following terms refers to the literal definition of 'heart'?
(a) Imagery.
(b) Symbolism.
(c) Connotation.
(d) Denotation.

3. According to Mel, did Terri love her ex-boyfriend?
(a) No, she only thought she did.
(b) Yes, she must have.
(c) She loved him only after he died.
(d) The author does not address this topic.

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

5. Which of the following is an important theme in the story?
(a) Laughing.
(b) Drinking.
(c) Telling the truth.
(d) Crying.

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

7. How many purposes does the alcohol serve in this story?
(a) It is unclear.
(b) Five.
(c) None.
(d) Two.

8. The alcohol in the story has a _________________ effect on the characters.
(a) Depressing.
(b) Passionate.
(c) Animated.
(d) Enlightening.

9. 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) Point of view does not play a significant role in the story.
(c) The story is told from Mel's point of view, so the reader only understands his relationship.
(d) The narrator may feel negatively toward Mel's relationship, thereby influencing the reader's opinion.

10. What does Terri think of the other couple's relationship?
(a) It is unclear because the narrator fails to recount Terri's dialogue.
(b) It is wonderful and inviting.
(c) It is horrible and she is glad hers isn't like it.
(d) It is innocent and will change after awhile.

11. Who ultimately provides the most insight into what love really means?
(a) Laura.
(b) Mel.
(c) Nick.
(d) Terri.

12. How does the author characterize Terri and Mel's relationship?
(a) Unstable and volatile.
(b) Hostile and rocky.
(c) Strong and honest.
(d) Egalitarian and loving.

13. Which of the following describes Laura's attitude toward Mel as the evening progresses?
(a) Sympathetic.
(b) Disgusted.
(c) Infatuated.
(d) Hostile.

14. Which character becomes increasingly offensive over the course of the story?
(a) Laura.
(b) Marjorie.
(c) Mel.
(d) Nick.

15. Why does Mel become frustrated?
(a) He has trouble understanding the emotional aspects of the heart.
(b) His wife is constantly interrupting him.
(c) He has difficulty remembering things.
(d) He cannot open the wine bottle.

Short Answer Questions

1. What literary tool is used in the story of the old couple and Mel and Terri's relationship?

2. What does Mel attempt to do to the topic of love?

3. Which of the following is a symbol in Carver's story?

4. After Mel finished his story, who does the narrator think knows the meaning of true love?

5. Which of the following describes Terri's reaction to Mel's response to the story of the old couple?

(see the answer keys)

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