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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 character contends that abusive behavior is, in fact, love?

2. Who reminds Mel that it is for the best that he has his current profession?

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the interaction between Mel and Terri surrounding Mel's ex-wife.

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

5. Describe the interaction between Laura and Terri in the closing scene.

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

7. Why does Laura bump Nick's knee under the table?

8. What is the purpose of stating that each character is "from somewhere else"?

9. What does Mel think about the cause of the old man's depression?

10. Why does Terri scold Mel for being insensitive?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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