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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Other than Mel, which term best describes the characters in the story?
(a) Passive.
(b) Avoidant.
(c) Animated.
(d) Angry.

2. When the author uses the term 'universal', to what is he referring?
(a) The stages of love.
(b) The use of song to make people feel better.
(c) Marriage.
(d) The romance present in relationships.

3. What is the tone of the story as Nick kisses his wife's hand?
(a) Romantic and sweet.
(b) Serious and arcane.
(c) Dull and subdued.
(d) Fast-paced and rushed.

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

5. Why does Mel begin telling his story?
(a) He is intoxicated and doesn't know what he is doing.
(b) To explain the meaning of real love.
(c) He is bored.
(d) Others ask him if he has any stories to tell.

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

7. To whom does Mel become abusive?
(a) Himself.
(b) Nick.
(c) Laura.
(d) Terri.

8. With whom does Mel appear to be in conflict over the concept of love more than any other character?
(a) Terri.
(b) Marjorie.
(c) Himself.
(d) Laura.

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

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

11. According to the author, Mel's profession requires a significant amount of:
(a) Dreaming.
(b) Precision.
(c) Romanticizing.
(d) Second-guessing.

12. What does Mel attempt to do to the topic of love?
(a) Make it humorous.
(b) Talk badly about it.
(c) Dissect it.
(d) Avoid it.

13. Which of the following is a connotation of the word 'heart'?
(a) The organ responsible for moving blood around the body.
(b) Emotions and memories connected to loving and feeling.
(c) A geometrical shape usually given on Valentine's Day.
(d) The center of something.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following techniques does the author use in his story?

2. Why might point of view play a role in how Mel's relationship is perceived by the reader?

3. What literary device does the author use in portraying Mel's difficulty in understanding love despite his profession?

4. What seems to help Mel and the other characters loosen up?

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

(see the answer keys)

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