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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What information does Mrs. Widdup give Mr. Coulson that contradicts what Miss Coulson told him earlier?
(a) She tells him that Miss Coulson is upstairs sleeping.
(b) She tells him that it is warm outside.
(c) She tells him that Miss Coulson has had a very large ice order delivered.
(d) She tells him that his manservant has gone to the post office.

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

3. 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 characterizes Miss Coulson as cruel and selfish.
(c) It foreshadows later plot events.
(d) It implies that Miss Coulson is uninterested in romantic love.

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

5. 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) Both Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup are aware that Miss Coulson will disapprove of them having a relationship.
(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.

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

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

8. Which neighborhood does Mr. Coulson live in?
(a) Gramercy Park.
(b) Carnegie Hill.
(c) Lincoln Square.
(d) Chelsea.

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

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

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

12. What is implied by the number of days for which Miss Coulson orders extra ice?
(a) She knows that after five days Mr. Coulson will be too irritated to talk to Mrs. Widdup at all.
(b) She thinks that the flowers will be done blooming in five days.
(c) She wants the deliveries to last until Mrs. Widdup leaves for vacation.
(d) She thinks that she will need five days to get to know the iceman better.

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

14. What point is made through the juxtaposition of Mr. Coulson's and Mrs. Widdup's comments about springtime?
(a) There is a significant gap in their education and social classes.
(b) They have very different points of view about springtime.
(c) Mrs. Widdup is a much more emotional person than Mr. Coulson is.
(d) Mrs. Widdup does not return Mr. Coulson's affections.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Why does Mr. Coulson tell his servant to "bring an axe" (335)?

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

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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