View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) Ceremonial clothing.
(b) A suit of armor.
(c) An impressive array.
(d) Unemotional wisdom.

2. Why does Mr. Coulson tell his servant to "bring an axe" (335)?
(a) He wants to cut down the flowers.
(b) He is threatening to kill the servant.
(c) He is joking about killing himself.
(d) He wants to break up the ice.

3. When Mr. Coulson is irritated, he complains that no one in the house does what?
(a) Responds when he rings for a servant.
(b) Cares if he lives or dies.
(c) Listens to him when he speaks.
(d) Attempts to entertain him.

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

5. What does Miss Coulson's believe about love?
(a) That it is overpowering.
(b) That it is inconvenient.
(c) That it is a pretense.
(d) That it is humiliating.

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

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

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

9. What does the narrator warn the reader to "never trust" (333)?
(a) Warm breezes.
(b) Hyacinths.
(c) May.
(d) Sparrows.

10. What is implied by Mr. Coulson's mention of Palm Beach?
(a) He spends the winter in Palm Beach.
(b) He misses his friends in Palm Beach.
(c) He does not want Mrs. Widdup to go away on vacation.
(d) He dislikes New York.

11. How does Miss Coulson spend the afternoon after her conversation with her father about the cold?
(a) She reads a romance book.
(b) She takes a long nap.
(c) She goes shopping.
(d) She works in the garden.

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

13. Where does Miss Coulson meet the iceman on the next morning?
(a) In the park across from the house.
(b) In the kitchen.
(c) In the basement.
(d) In the vacant lot next door.

14. 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) The musty smell of Mr. Coulson's room.
(c) Mr. Coulson's uneaten breakfast.
(d) The medicine on Mr. Coulson's skin.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the narrator, what does May want humans to remember?

2. What is the first indication that Mrs. Widdup does not listen carefully?

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

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

5. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 733 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample