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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the narrator say he chooses to think about all his unhappy memories?
(a) To keep the grudge alive.
(b) To rest from doing something.
(c) To remain humble amidst his growing fame and popularity.
(d) Nobody likes to read happy stories.

2. Who does the narrator call decorative creatures?
(a) Children.
(b) Women.
(c) Elderly.
(d) Men.

3. What does the narrator say he has inside him despite the appearance of being outwardly calm?
(a) A crushed spirit.
(b) Joy in his soul.
(c) Anger in his crushed soul.
(d) Heaven and hell.

4. What does tedium seem to attack, according to the narrator?
(a) Body.
(b) Soul.
(c) Mind.
(d) Heart.

5. When does the narrator say life will start working in his favor?
(a) Tomorrow.
(b) Never.
(c) On his birthday.
(d) On New Year's Day.

Short Answer Questions

1. What characteristic does the narrator hope his wife will have?

2. What does the narrator say he would be happy to do without having to live?

3. Who, according to the narrator, is more seriously affected by tedium?

4. What does the narrator say is done not only to the body, but also to the soul?

5. Why does the narrator suggest that intelligent, sensitive people should remain as uneducated as possible?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the narrator, how should intelligent men view God?

2. What are the narrator's thoughts on writing perfect literature? Which classic example does he analyze to make his point and what does he say about it?

3. Why are women considered to be nothing more than decor by the narrator?

4. What does the narrator credit mirrors and wardrobes for doing?

5. Discuss the narrator's conflicting thoughts and statements about his wife.

6. What kinds of memories does the narrator have and why does he like to remember them?

7. What does the narrator say about intelligent and sensitive people? Since they can't be banned to an island, what should they do and why?

8. Why does the narrator dislike reading the newspaper?

9. According to the narrator, what is the only true form of pleasure that exists? Explain his reasoning.

10. Discuss the narrator's initial feelings in a barber shop and why they changed.

(see the answer keys)

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