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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. Why does Miss Coulson ask when Mrs. Widdup's vacation begins?
(a) She is hoping to get away from the house for a while, herself.
(b) She will need to make arrangements for Mr. Coulson's care.
(c) She is eager to get Mrs. Widdup away from Mr. Coulson.
(d) She is wondering if Mr. Coulson will try to go away with Mrs. Widdup.

2. There are "jonquils" near where Mr. Coulson is sitting. What are jonquils?
(a) They are decorative figures common in early 20th century homes.
(b) They are thick woolen blankets.
(c) They are a small sparrow-like bird.
(d) They are a kind of daffodil, a flower.

3. What point is made through the juxtaposition of Mr. Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's comments about springtime?
(a) They have very different points of view about springtime.
(b) There is a significant gap in their education and social classes.
(c) Mrs. Widdup is a much more emotional person than Mr. Coulson is.
(d) Mrs. Widdup does not return Mr. Coulson's affections.

4. What is the "twist" at the end of this story?
(a) Mr. Coulson never had any romantic intentions toward Mrs. Widdup at all.
(b) Miss Coulson runs away with the iceman.
(c) Mrs. Widdup turns out to be wealthy, herself.
(d) Mrs. Widdup's husband is still alive.

5. Whom does the narrator refer to as "the venerable and scarcely suspecting victim of May" (334)?
(a) Mrs. Widdup.
(b) The iceman.
(c) Miss Coulson.
(d) Mr. Coulson.

Short Answer Questions

1. On the final morning of the story, what causes Mr. Coulson's mood to change?

2. How much ice does Miss Coulson order be delivered each day?

3. When "May holds up a chiding finger," (332), what is May's intention?

4. What illness does Mr. Coulson suffer from?

5. What kind of clam is a "chowder-doomed clam" (332)?

(see the answer key)

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