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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. Who notes that the characters "are all from someplace else"?

2. Where is Mel when Terri's ex-boyfriend is brought to the hospital?

3. Terri recalls a period of her life during which she lived like a:

4. Who asks Mel to continue the story of the old couple?

5. What does Terri suggest Mel do to make himself feel better?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Terri and Ed from Terri's point-of-view.

2. What sort of casts and bandages are the old couple wearing and why is this a problem?

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

4. What does Mel hope will happen to his ex-wife and why?

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

6. What does Mel think of Nick and Laura's love?

7. According to Mel, why is the old man depressed?

8. What impact does point of view have on this story?

9. What does the narrator hear at the end of the story, and why is this important?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The exposition is thought of as the introductory material given by the narrator of a work of literature. What is the main purpose of including exposition? What aspects of the exposition does Carver include in his story?

Essay Topic 3

This story revolves around love and its various meanings. Compare and contrast the ways each character views and portrays love. What are some possible explanations for their differing understandings of love?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample