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

Short Answer Questions

1. Did Mel truly love his first wife?

2. According to the author, how common are the stages of love the couples are experiencing?

3. Which of the following best describes the mood of the old woman at the end of Mel's story?

4. Which of the following techniques does the author use in his story?

5. According to the author, what is the ultimate conclusion about the meaning of love?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is an important tool authors use to effectively communicate ideas and meanings to the reader. Identify one symbol Carver uses in his story and describe what it symbolizes. What purpose does it serve to have this particular symbol in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Syntax is the way an author puts words, sentences, and sections together to form ideas and meanings. It can be overt or subtle, isolated to a portion of the work or universal throughout. Describe the syntax Carver uses in this story. How do specific characteristics about the syntax contribute to the reader's experience of the work?

Essay Topic 3

Narration refers to the method the author uses to communicate the story to readers. From what type of viewpoint is this story narrated? Discuss the advantages and drawbacks of presenting a story from this viewpoint.

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