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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. 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) I disapprove of this.
(d) Keep this information secret.

5. 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.

6. 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) He suddenly feels unsure about whether he wants to declare his feelings.
(b) He cannot remember the exact words of the quotation.
(c) The original quote is "a young man's fancy," and he realizes that he is not a "young" man.
(d) Mrs. Widdup is giving him a puzzled look.

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

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

9. Whom does the narrator refer to as "the venerable and scarcely suspecting victim of May" (334)?
(a) Mr. Coulson.
(b) The iceman.
(c) Miss Coulson.
(d) Mrs. Widdup.

10. How many years apart are Miss Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's ages?
(a) They are the same age.
(b) 15.
(c) 10.
(d) 5.

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

12. When Miss Coulson stands thinking at the window, to what insects does she mentally compare Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup?
(a) Mosquitoes.
(b) Fleas.
(c) Cockroaches.
(d) Mayflies.

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

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

15. What are the details about the iceman's sleeves and hat intended to convey?
(a) He has lower-class manners.
(b) He thinks that Miss Coulson may be in love with him.
(c) He is trying to show respect for Miss Coulson.
(d) He is conceited and self-absorbed.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Miss Coulson spend the afternoon after her conversation with her father about the cold?

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

3. Which bird is Mr. Coulson said to be "elder brother" to in May?

4. What is Mrs. Widdup's job?

5. When Mr. Coulson continues quoting the poem and mentions "a livelier iris," what does Mrs. Widdup think he is talking about? (333)

(see the answer keys)

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