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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 an example of situational irony?
(a) Laura and Nick are not really in love.
(b) Terri is Mel's wife, but used to be married to his brother.
(c) Mel says he does not know anything about love, and the reader finds this to be true.
(d) The story is about finding the meaning of love, yet it ends with no clear meaning at all.

2. 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 display the humorous side of the story.
(d) To underscore the story about the old couple.

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

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

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

6. Over what length of time does this story take place?
(a) One week.
(b) About thirty minutes.
(c) One evening.
(d) Two days.

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

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

9. Why might point of view play a role in how Mel's relationship is perceived by the reader?
(a) The narrator is neutral toward Mel's relationship, allowing for free interpretation by the reader.
(b) Point of view does not play a significant role in the story.
(c) The story is told from Mel's point of view, so the reader only understands his relationship.
(d) The narrator may feel negatively toward Mel's relationship, thereby influencing the reader's opinion.

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

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

12. What can describe Mel's behavior as the conversation progresses?
(a) Loving.
(b) Repressed.
(c) Withdrawn.
(d) Animated.

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

14. 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.

15. How many stages of love are there, according to the author?
(a) It is unclear.
(b) Ten.
(c) Only one.
(d) Two.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What can be said to be a motif in Carver's story?

3. After Mel finished his story, who does the narrator think knows the meaning of true love?

4. Which of the following are included in the plot of Carver's story?

5. Which character is encouraged by the end of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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