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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are Mel and the other characters able to talk about after they loosen up?
(a) Their career goals.
(b) Secret fantasies.
(c) Real love.
(d) Health problems.

2. What is the tone of Mel's story about the old couple?
(a) Disgusted.
(b) Morose.
(c) Juvenile.
(d) Wistful.

3. What sort of love does Mel have trouble understanding?
(a) Harsh and fierce.
(b) Unrequited.
(c) Pure and fulfilling.
(d) Soft and gentle.

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

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

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

7. Through which of the following methods does Carver communicate most of the significant aspects of his story?
(a) Figurative language.
(b) Metamorphism.
(c) Dialogue.
(d) Hyperbole.

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

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

10. Which of the following is a symbol in this story?
(a) Death.
(b) The heart.
(c) Music.
(d) Alcohol.

11. Which of the following characters can be said to be a tragic hero?
(a) Laura.
(b) Terri.
(c) Nick.
(d) Mel.

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

13. What term best describes Mel's nature?
(a) Introverted.
(b) Appreciative.
(c) Passionate.
(d) Considerate.

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

15. What seems to help Mel and the other characters loosen up?
(a) Music.
(b) Alcohol.
(c) Eating.
(d) Chocolate.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who can be said to be Mel's foil in this story?

2. Why does Mel begin telling his story?

3. Which of the following literary devices does the author use in his story?

4. What can describe Mel's behavior as the conversation progresses?

5. According to the author, what is the ultimate conclusion about the meaning of love?

(see the answer keys)

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