View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. 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.

5. What illness does Mr. Coulson suffer from?
(a) Lupus.
(b) Gout.
(c) Anemia.
(d) Rheumatism.

6. What is the first indication that Mrs. Widdup does not listen carefully?
(a) She thinks that Mr. Coulson is telling her about his feelings for another woman.
(b) She does not pay attention to how much medication she is supposed to give Mr. Coulson.
(c) She interrupts Mr. Coulson when he is speaking.
(d) She does not respond to the question that Mr. Coulson asks her.

7. How old is Mrs. Widdup?
(a) 35.
(b) 30.
(c) 40.
(d) 49.

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

9. 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) The iceman is mocking Miss Coulson for making such a strange request.
(b) Miss Coulson has deliberately given the iceman the wrong impression about her intentions.
(c) Miss Coulson would not have to scheme against Mr. Coulson if it were not for the season.
(d) The iceman is flirting a little bit with Miss Coulson.

10. What is Mrs. Widdup's job?
(a) Parlor maid.
(b) Cook.
(c) Housekeeper.
(d) Nurse.

11. Miss Coulson has a "lorgnette" (334). What is a lorgnette?
(a) Glasses that have a handle instead of ear-pieces.
(b) A piece of jewelry used to hold a scarf or shawl closed.
(c) A round, flat case designed to hold medications or tobacco.
(d) A high-necked, long-sleeved sweater.

12. What does the narrator call the "most potent weapons of insidious May" (334)?
(a) Warm breezes.
(b) Birds.
(c) Flowers.
(d) Sunny days.

13. Mrs. Widdup is described as "comely" (333). What does this mean is true about her?
(a) She is a hard worker.
(b) She is attractive.
(c) She is funny.
(d) She is clever.

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

15. Which of the following literary techniques is used in the title "The Marry Month of May"?
(a) Alliteration.
(b) Personification.
(c) Understatement.
(d) Hyperbole.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. On page 334, the narrator refers to the "panoply" of Miss Coulson's "unthrilled bosom." What is the meaning of "panoply" in this context?

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

5. What point is made through the juxtaposition of Mr. Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's comments about springtime?

(see the answer keys)

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