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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the implication of the passage "She blushed. Oh, yes, it can be done. Just hold your breath and compress the diaphragm" (333)?
(a) Most people blush on purpose.
(b) Mrs. Widdup may be faking her reaction to Mr. Coulson.
(c) In her excitement, Mrs. Widdup can barely breathe.
(d) Blushing happens when the diaphragm is contracted too forcefully.

2. 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.

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

4. Who is Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson?
(a) Mr. Coulson's sister.
(b) Mr. Coulson's daughter.
(c) Mr. Coulson's aunt.
(d) Mr. Coulson's granddaughter.

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

6. 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) Miss Coulson has no idea that Mr. Coulson has romantic intentions toward Mrs. Widdup.
(d) Mr. Coulson is used to having to trick Miss Coulson in order to get his way.

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

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

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

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

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

12. On the final morning of the story, what causes Mr. Coulson's mood to change?
(a) It is warm again and the windows are open.
(b) He is in much less pain than usual.
(c) Mrs. Widdup has threatened to quit.
(d) Miss Coulson has told him that he is behaving badly.

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

14. 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?
(a) Schoolgirls.
(b) Lower-class college-aged women.
(c) Young women training to become school teachers.
(d) Female college professors.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is implied by Mr. Coulson's mention of Palm Beach?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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