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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 is Mr. Coulson so clumsy on the afternoon after the ice is delivered?
(a) He is frustrated that he has not yet been able to confess his feelings to Mrs. Widdup.
(b) He is upset because of the cold.
(c) He is nervous about speaking to Mrs. Widdup.
(d) He is angry at Miss Coulson's meddling.

2. Which bird is Mr. Coulson said to be "elder brother" to in May?
(a) Robin.
(b) Chickadee.
(c) Turtle-dove.
(d) Pigeon.

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

4. The story opens with the word "prithee" (332). What does this word mean in this context?
(a) Listen carefully.
(b) I disapprove of this.
(c) Please, I am begging you.
(d) Keep this information secret.

5. Who is the author of "The Marry Month of May"?
(a) Henry James.
(b) Willa Cather.
(c) O. Henry.
(d) Edith Wharton.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is comic about the turn of phrase "she withstood the attack of the ethereal mildness" (334)?

2. Which of the following literary techniques is used in the title "The Marry Month of May"?

3. Where Mr. Coulson is sitting, two main smells are "battling": the smell of flowers and what other smell?

4. What does the narrator call the "most potent weapons of insidious May" (334)?

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

(see the answer key)

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