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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 is Mel's ex-wife's name?

2. Which of the following does Mel wonder about new love?

3. What happens to Terri's ex-boyfriend after he tried to kill himself?

4. What does Mel say would happen if any of the main characters died?

5. What can the narrator hear near the end of the story?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the author seem to be saying about universal stages and phases of love?

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

4. Where are the characters in the story from?

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

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

7. Which character is the least likable and why?

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

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

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

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

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?

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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