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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "The Marry Month of May".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the purpose of the allusion to the "virgin of Cologne" (334)?
(a) It implies that Miss Coulson is uninterested in romantic love.
(b) It characterizes Miss Coulson as cruel and selfish.
(c) It reminds the reader that Miss Coulson is very religious.
(d) It foreshadows later plot events.

2. When the author compares May to Circe and explains the comparison at length, what literary technique is he using?
(a) Conceit.
(b) Anaphora.
(c) Synechdoche.
(d) Hyperbole.

3. What are the details about the iceman's sleeves and hat intended to convey?
(a) He is trying to show respect for Miss Coulson.
(b) He is conceited and self-absorbed.
(c) He has lower-class manners.
(d) He thinks that Miss Coulson may be in love with him.

4. Miss Coulson has a "lorgnette" (334). What is a lorgnette?
(a) A high-necked, long-sleeved sweater.
(b) A piece of jewelry used to hold a scarf or shawl closed.
(c) A round, flat case designed to hold medications or tobacco.
(d) Glasses that have a handle instead of ear-pieces.

5. What kind of clam is a "chowder-doomed clam" (332)?
(a) One that is personified as feeling worried.
(b) One that is poisonous to humans.
(c) One that is destined to be eaten in soup.
(d) One that is confused by its surroundings.

Short Answer Questions

1. What claim is the narrator making by calling humans "lineal scions of the pansy" (332)?

2. What is Mrs. Widdup's job?

3. Why does Mrs. Widdup go into Mr. Coulson's room in the afternoon on the second day of the story?

4. How does Miss Coulson spend the afternoon after her conversation with her father about the cold?

5. What physical gesture of affection does Mr. Coulson make toward Mrs. Widdup?

(see the answer key)

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