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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Billy doing as the adults around him begin to argue loudly?
(a) Playing with his toy.
(b) Sleeping.
(c) Crying.
(d) Eating more cake.

2. Why is Edith eager for John to arrive at the Markeys' house?
(a) She hopes that he will talk to the Markeys so she does not have to.
(b) She wants an excuse to leave the party.
(c) She wants the other women to see how devoted he is to her.
(d) She wants him to see how wonderful Ede is in this context.

3. What does Edith decide is true about John when he has not arrived by six o'clock?
(a) He shows no interest in the things that make Edith happy.
(b) He has forgotten all about her request.
(c) He has little pride in his own child.
(d) He has lost track of time at work.

4. On page 6, how does the narrator characterize the behavior of the children at the party?
(a) They behave "like little animals."
(b) They behave "tolerably, given the circumstances."
(c) They behave "remarkably well."
(d) They behave "like little statesmen."

5. John enjoys hearing Ede's "non sequiturs" (3). What does this describe in his daughter's speech?
(a) Ideas that are more emotional than rational.
(b) Ideas that flow continuously without waiting for a response.
(c) Ideas that are more fantasy than reality.
(d) Ideas that have no logical connection.

6. When John arrives at the Markeys' door, whom does he hear crying?
(a) Billy.
(b) Edith.
(c) Mrs. Markey.
(d) Ede.

7. What does John hear as he is heading back into his house after the fight?
(a) The sound of the later train that he usually takes home from work.
(b) The sound of Ede's laughter from inside his house.
(c) An argument starting between Joe and Mrs. Markey.
(d) A police siren approaching the house.

8. What interrupts Edith's thoughts about John as the party is winding down?
(a) Mrs. Markey suggests that Edith might want to call John.
(b) The doorbell rings and another father enters the room.
(c) Billy opens a present and Ede asks her mother what it is.
(d) Ede pushes Billy down and Billy cries out.

9. After they leave the Markeys' house, why does John watch to make sure that Edith has reached their own walkway?
(a) He does not want her to overhear what he is about to say to Joe.
(b) He is concerned that she will get into another argument with Mrs. Markey.
(c) He wants his daughter to get out of the cold December air.
(d) He wants her safely out of the way before he and Joe fight.

10. What word does Mrs. Markey use to describe Ede on page 5 that Edith takes as a potential criticism?
(a) "Little."
(b) "Fresh."
(c) "Smart."
(d) "Baby."

11. What does the narrator mean by "even his feeling about his little girl was qualified" (3)?
(a) John understands that fatherhood, like most things, is imperfect.
(b) John's earlier battles with illness and poverty make him especially grateful for his child.
(c) John is aware that his daughter is spoiled, but he loves her anyway.
(d) John takes pride in making sure that his daughter has everything she needs.

12. How old is John Andros?
(a) 32.
(b) 38.
(c) 42.
(d) 48.

13. What does Mrs. Markey say should be the consequence of Ede's behavior?
(a) She should not be allowed to go to the next party.
(b) She should be spanked.
(c) She should have to apologize to Billy.
(d) She should have to give Billy one of her toys.

14. When Ede and Billy argue over the teddy bear, what is Joe Markey's initial response?
(a) He scolds Ede and embarrasses Edith.
(b) He laughs and tells Edith not to worry.
(c) He teases his son for letting a girl get the better of him.
(d) He tells his wife that it is her job to handle the children.

15. To John Andros, what does Ede represent?
(a) His own life continuing through her.
(b) His arrival into adulthood.
(c) His and Edith's love.
(d) His ability to provide for others.

Short Answer Questions

1. Edith thinks that Mrs. Markey is "snippy" (5). What does she think is true about Mrs. Markey?

2. What terms does John use on page 4 as he wonders about Ede's party dress?

3. What technique is used in the page 3 phrase "her eyes with their irises of morning blue"?

4. Why does Mr. Markey go upstairs after the altercation between Billy and Ede?

5. When John walks into the Markey house, what is the first thing that Edith tells him?

(see the answer keys)

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