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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Mr. Coulson asks for his "aconite," what is he asking for (333)?
(a) A wooden cane with a carved top.
(b) A hot breakfast cereal, like porridge or gruel.
(c) A religious text that provides commentary on the Bible.
(d) An herbal medicine used to treat pain and inflammation.

2. What is clear in the first interaction between Mr. Coulson, Miss Coulson, and Mrs. Widdup?
(a) Both Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup are aware that Miss Coulson will disapprove of them having a relationship.
(b) Mrs. Widdup is much more intelligent than she seems at first.
(c) Mr. Coulson is used to having to trick Miss Coulson in order to get his way.
(d) Miss Coulson has no idea that Mr. Coulson has romantic intentions toward Mrs. Widdup.

3. When Mr. Coulson complains about the cold, what is his servant's response?
(a) He offers to investigate the problem.
(b) He calls for Mrs. Widdup.
(c) He laughs.
(d) He shuts the windows.

4. What is comic about the turn of phrase "she withstood the attack of the ethereal mildness" (334)?
(a) The understatement of the danger.
(b) The contradiction in the terms "attack" and "ethereal mildness."
(c) The surprise ending to a well-known phrase.
(d) The idea that "mildness" could be "ethereal."

5. What is the name of the servant who usually gives Mr. Coulson his medication?
(a) Foster.
(b) Marley.
(c) Higgins.
(d) Treadwell.

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

7. On page 334, the narrator refers to the "panoply" of Miss Coulson's "unthrilled bosom." What is the meaning of "panoply" in this context?
(a) An impressive array.
(b) A suit of armor.
(c) Unemotional wisdom.
(d) Ceremonial clothing.

8. Why does Mr. Coulson hesitate as he says, "In the spring...a y -- that is a man's -- fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love" (333)?
(a) Mrs. Widdup is giving him a puzzled look.
(b) He cannot remember the exact words of the quotation.
(c) He suddenly feels unsure about whether he wants to declare his feelings.
(d) The original quote is "a young man's fancy," and he realizes that he is not a "young" man.

9. How much ice does Miss Coulson order be delivered each day?
(a) 2,000 pounds.
(b) 250 pounds.
(c) 500 pounds.
(d) 1,000 pounds.

10. Where Mr. Coulson is sitting, two main smells are "battling": the smell of flowers and what other smell?
(a) Mr. Coulson's strong cologne.
(b) Mr. Coulson's uneaten breakfast.
(c) The musty smell of Mr. Coulson's room.
(d) The medicine on Mr. Coulson's skin.

11. What are the "portières" that Miss Coulson is sitting near?
(a) Wall hangings.
(b) Window shutters.
(c) Hanging lamps.
(d) Curtains hung in the doorway.

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

13. What claim is the narrator making by calling humans "lineal scions of the pansy" (332)?
(a) Plants and animals are just as valuable as humans.
(b) Pansies are more like humans than most people realize.
(c) Humans are the servants of nature.
(d) Humans and flowers are related through evolution.

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

15. According to the narrator, what does May want humans to remember?
(a) That they are not immortal.
(b) That they should be grateful for the coming summer.
(c) That they are also animals.
(d) That they should be kind to one another.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the details about the iceman's sleeves and hat intended to convey?

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

3. How many years apart are Miss Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's ages?

4. Mrs. Widdup is described as "comely" (333). What does this mean is true about her?

5. Why is Mr. Coulson so clumsy on the afternoon after the ice is delivered?

(see the answer keys)

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