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

2. 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) Mrs. Widdup does not return Mr. Coulson's affections.
(c) Mrs. Widdup is a much more emotional person than Mr. Coulson is.
(d) There is a significant gap in their education and social classes.

3. After the iceman tells Miss Coulson, "It'll be a pleasure to fix things up for you any way you please," the narrator comments "Alas for May" (334). What is implied by this comment?
(a) Miss Coulson would not have to scheme against Mr. Coulson if it were not for the season.
(b) Miss Coulson has deliberately given the iceman the wrong impression about her intentions.
(c) The iceman is mocking Miss Coulson for making such a strange request.
(d) The iceman is flirting a little bit with Miss Coulson.

4. What physical gesture of affection does Mr. Coulson make toward Mrs. Widdup?
(a) He strokes her hair.
(b) He touches her arm.
(c) He kisses her.
(d) He holds her hand.

5. What is implied about Miss Coulson when she looks at the flowers "with the eye of a botanist" (334)?
(a) She is very intelligent.
(b) She is thinking of cutting them down.
(c) She is logical and unemotional.
(d) She is curious.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the narrator lists the kinds of inappropriate relationships that May encourages, one of the items in the list is "old chaps" who dress up and "parade in front of the Normal School" (332). Who are these old men trying to impress with their fancy clothing?

2. What does Mr. Coulson call Mrs. Widdup when she starts talking about "ivy and hand-organs" (335)?

3. How does the narrator suggest the reader should respond to the poet who praises the month of May?

4. Why does Miss Coulson ask when Mrs. Widdup's vacation begins?

5. What does Miss Coulson's believe about love?

(see the answer key)

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