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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is used as a symbol of lack of inhibition in the story?
(a) Alcohol.
(b) Cigarettes.
(c) Food.
(d) Prescription medication.

2. Which of the following literary devices does the author use in his story?
(a) Synecdoche.
(b) Anthropomorphism.
(c) Allusion.
(d) Foreshadowing.

3. How does the author characterize Laura and Terri's relationship?
(a) Focused on lots of shared interests.
(b) Somewhat distant.
(c) Based on the fact that they work together.
(d) Very close and sisterly.

4. What literary device does the author use in portraying Mel's difficulty in understanding love despite his profession?
(a) Anastrophe.
(b) Emulation.
(c) Irony.
(d) Symbolism.

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

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

7. What is Nick's understanding of Terri and Mel's relationship?
(a) It is something he wants to work toward.
(b) He is neutral toward their relationship.
(c) It is strong and full of love for each other.
(d) It is unromantic and hostile.

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

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

10. Which of the following characters chastises another at one point in the story?
(a) Laura chastises Terri.
(b) Terri chastises Ed.
(c) Terri chastises Mel.
(d) Nick chastises Laura.

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

12. Which of the following describes Terri's reaction to Mel's response to the story of the old couple?
(a) Enraged.
(b) Fearful.
(c) Caustic.
(d) Empathetic.

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

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

15. What purpose does foil serve in this story?
(a) To emphasize characters' dramatically different views of love.
(b) To provide a satirical outlet.
(c) To underscore the story about the old couple.
(d) To display the humorous side of the story.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Which of the following is the resolution to the story of the old couple?

3. What is Mel unable to do in this story?

4. Which of the following is an important theme in the story?

5. Who encourages Mel to explore the topic of love?

(see the answer keys)

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