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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What hits the old couple's car?

2. Who ends up going to get the snacks?

3. Whose glass is overturned on the table at the end of the story?

4. What happens immediately after the story of the old couple is over?

5. Which character contends that abusive behavior is, in fact, love?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the setting at the end of the story.

3. Describe Mel's relationship with his ex-wife.

4. What happens after Mel spills his glass on the table?

5. What was Mel's relationship with the old couple like?

6. How many views of the situation does the author give the reader? Do you think this is helpful or not? Why?

7. What is the final conclusion about the meaning of love?

8. Describe the setting of the initial part of the story as told by the narrator.

9. What is the nature of Terri and Ed's involvement?

10. How is Mel's discussion of love similar to his profession?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mel is a significant character in this story due to his monopolization of the conversation.

Part 1) Discuss the dynamics of Mel's character throughout the course of the story. Does he change much? Why or why not?

Part 2) Do the other characters in the story seem to like or dislike Mel? How can you tell?

Part 3) What are your opinions toward Mel by the end of the story? Do you like him or dislike him?

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of alcohol in Carver's story? How does it act as a catalyst for the plot?

Essay Topic 3

Imagery is used to incorporate any or all of the readers' senses, such as sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Describe at least 3 instances of imagery in Carver's story. What is the main function of each particular occurrence of imagery?

(see the answer keys)

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