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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Where are the other characters when Mel begins to talk about love?
(a) At the table.
(b) At a restaurant.
(c) The author does not say.
(d) Outdoors.

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

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

5. Which of the following is a symbol in Carver's story?
(a) Knight's armor.
(b) Dinner.
(c) Ice cream.
(d) Wine.

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

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

8. Who can be said to be Mel's foil in this story?
(a) Laura.
(b) Terri.
(c) Nick.
(d) Ed.

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

10. Why does Mel's behavior worsen throughout the story?
(a) He likes the moonlight.
(b) He drinks more and more.
(c) He is humbled by the narrator.
(d) He likes the sun coming in through the window.

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

12. Which of the following is the resolution to the story of the old couple?
(a) They recover and are discharged from the hospital.
(b) They realize that they are not meant to be together.
(c) They both end up dying.
(d) There is no resolution.

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

14. After Mel finished his story, who does the narrator think knows the meaning of true love?
(a) No one.
(b) Terri.
(c) Ed.
(d) Laura.

15. What effect may the alcohol have had on everyone besides Mel?
(a) They may have realized how ridiculous their ideas are.
(b) They may have had a spike in blood sugar.
(c) They may have started to feel sick.
(d) They may have become more inhibited.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is used as a symbol of lack of inhibition in the story?

2. How does the tone change as the story progresses?

3. Did Mel truly love his first wife?

4. Over what length of time does this story take place?

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

(see the answer keys)

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