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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the author, what characteristics are typically granted to the heart?
(a) Emotional and romantic.
(b) Cold and unloving.
(c) Understanding and cognition.
(d) Compassion and tenderness.

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

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

4. Which character is encouraged by the end of the story?
(a) Mel.
(b) No one.
(c) Terri.
(d) Laura.

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

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

7. How is the topic of love broached?
(a) Terri has a dream about love.
(b) Mel starts talking about it.
(c) Laura's children ask about it.
(d) The characters are reading the same book.

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

9. What can be said to be a motif in Carver's story?
(a) Letters.
(b) Love.
(c) The color red.
(d) Heat.

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

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

12. What is the tone in the beginning of Mel's story about the old couple?
(a) Sad.
(b) Serious.
(c) Humorous.
(d) Peaceful.

13. Which of the characters seems to realize first that Mel's desire to experience real love is not yet fulfilled?
(a) Laura.
(b) Nick.
(c) Terri.
(d) Ed.

14. According to the author, what role do analysis and science play in the meaning of love?
(a) They explain it fully.
(b) It is not clear.
(c) They contribute to only the physiological responses.
(d) None.

15. According to the author, what is the ultimate conclusion about the meaning of love?
(a) It does not exist.
(b) It remains elusive.
(c) It is fully understood by all characters.
(d) It can only be felt by the elderly.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is the resolution following the climax?

2. Which of the following characters can be said to be a tragic hero?

3. What is the tone of the story as Nick kisses his wife's hand?

4. Which of the following is a symbol in this story?

5. What time of day does this story end?

(see the answer keys)

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