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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. Which of the characters is clearly an alcoholic?

2. Who feels as if the group is "enchanted" as the conversation continues?

3. How long has Nick been married?

4. Who tells Mel that every person is different when it comes to love?

5. Terri teases the other couple for acting as if:

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the characters' response to Mel's revelation that real love does exist.

2. What was happening when Mel arrived at the hospital?

3. What two professions does Mel say he would have liked to have had and why?

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

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

6. Describe the mood of the second portion of Mel's story.

7. Does Terri think her ex-boyfriend loved her? Why?

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

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

10. Why does Terri scold Mel for being insensitive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A resolution is often included in literature to give the reader a sense of closure. What is the resolution in this story? Discuss whether it adequately resolves the situation and why you think that way. What could the author have done differently?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Authors often use setting, including the time of day, to communicate an important message about the story. The setting can have a significant impact on the tone and mood of a story.

Part 1) Discuss the clues Carver gives readers as to the time of day as the story unfolds.

Part 2) Why does Carver choose this particular time of day as a setting for a story about love?

Part 3) Pick a time of day (or night) different from the actual one in the story and discuss how the story would have been different had it been set during this time.

(see the answer keys)

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