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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Mel hesitant to call?
(a) He doesn't want them to know he is drunk.
(b) They haven't heard from him in several years.
(c) He does not want to talk to his ex-wife.
(d) He doesn't want his current wife to feel left out.

2. Who tells the story of the old couple?
(a) Laura.
(b) Terri.
(c) Nick.
(d) Mel.

3. What is the cause of the old man's depression?
(a) He loses his job.
(b) He is unable to see his wife.
(c) He is thinking about living the rest of his life as an invalid.
(d) He can no longer take part in extramarital affairs.

4. How often does Mel check in on the old couple?
(a) Every ten days.
(b) Every day.
(c) Monthly.
(d) They are never seen again.

5. What happens immediately after the story of the old couple is over?
(a) No one speaks.
(b) The wine bottle crashes to the floor.
(c) One of the couples decides to get a divorce.
(d) The fire alarm goes off.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is dysfunctional about Terri's previous relationship?

2. What is the beverage of choice throughout the duration of the conversation?

3. In addition to the beverages, what else is passed around during the conversation?

4. Which character spent five years in a seminary?

5. What happens at the end of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mel feeling as he describes the old man's love, who senses this, and what is his or her response?

2. What effect does alcohol have on the characters' conversation about real love?

3. What relationship does Mel have to the old man in the hospital?

4. Why is it ironic that Mel is a cardiologist by profession?

5. What two purposes does alcohol seem to serve in the story?

6. How is a sense of repressed hostility presented in the story?

7. What tone does Mel have as he recounts the story of the old couple and why?

8. Describe what Mel was doing when he was notified of the car accident.

9. How is Nick and Laura's relationship portrayed by the author?

10. Why does Terri hope that Marjorie will remarry or die?

(see the answer keys)

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