1. Why was the woman reading the Bible during the period she writes about in her story?
(a) Because she wanted to use Biblical allusions in her writing.
(b) Because she needed comfort during the hurricane.
(c) Because she wanted to know exactly what it said.
(d) Because it was the High Holy Days.

2. Besides reading the Bible, what else does the woman spend her time doing in the period of time her story is about?
(a) She looks out the window and watches the news.
(b) She reads the Koran and the Talmud.
(c) She shops for emergency supplies and fills her tub with water.
(d) She calls each of her family members and friends.

3. Who is the author of "The Center of the Story"?
(a) Judith Frank.
(b) Doris Betts.
(c) Maile Chapman.
(d) Lydia Davis.

4. The man tells the woman that he has committed "blasphemy" (20). What has he done?
(a) Contemplated suicide.
(b) Shown disrespect to God.
(c) Told a harmful lie about someone.
(d) Cursed God's name.

5. What does the woman think might be preventing her from committing to a center for her story?
(a) Curiosity.
(b) Hope.
(c) Laziness.
(d) Fear.

Short Answer Questions

1. What technique is used in the sentence: "Outside her apartment, the weather was changing: the wind rose, the branches swayed on the young trees, and the leaves fluttered" (19)?

2. After completing her first draft of the story, what does the woman realize about it?

3. What denomination is the last church that the woman visits?

4. What specific Biblical story does the writer focus on?

5. In what religion are the High Holy Days a sacred time?

(see the answer key)

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