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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What effect does the alcohol have on the characters by the end of the story?
(a) The characters are all laughing.
(b) The characters become angry with one another.
(c) The characters are all crying.
(d) The characters are all numb.

2. 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) Dramatic irony.
(c) Imagery.
(d) Flashback.

3. Why does Terri have this reaction to Mel's story about the old couple?
(a) She understands how Mel feels.
(b) She is afraid their intimate love will not last forever.
(c) She is angry at Laura for making Mel cry.
(d) She is jealous that she cannot evoke the same sense of love from Mel.

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

5. In which part of the story does the narrator mention where the characters are from?
(a) In the middle.
(b) The narrator does not mention it at all.
(c) In the final paragraph.
(d) In the beginning.

6. 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 common to Western European couples.
(c) They are universal.
(d) They are common to couples their age.

7. How does Mel's behavior influence the other characters?
(a) They become afraid and anxious.
(b) They become overwhelmed.
(c) It encourages them to talk more.
(d) They feel safe and secure.

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

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

10. Which of the following events is the climax of Carver's story?
(a) The fight between Nick and Mel.
(b) Mel's story of why the old man is depressed.
(c) The conversation in Terri's mind.
(d) The revelation of Laura's secret.

11. What do the characters talk about after Mel is finished with his story?
(a) The weather outside.
(b) Their feelings for each other.
(c) Nothing.
(d) Where to go for dinner.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is the denotation of the word 'love'?

2. Other than Mel, which term best describes the characters in the story?

3. What is the tone in the beginning of Mel's story about the old couple?

4. Which of the following is an example of situational irony?

5. Which of the following terms refers to the literal definition of 'heart'?

(see the answer keys)

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