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

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

3. What are the "portières" that Miss Coulson is sitting near?
(a) Curtains hung in the doorway.
(b) Hanging lamps.
(c) Wall hangings.
(d) Window shutters.

4. 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 interrupts Mr. Coulson when he is speaking.
(c) She does not pay attention to how much medication she is supposed to give Mr. Coulson.
(d) She does not respond to the question that Mr. Coulson asks her.

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

6. Why does Miss Coulson ask when Mrs. Widdup's vacation begins?
(a) She is wondering if Mr. Coulson will try to go away with Mrs. Widdup.
(b) She is eager to get Mrs. Widdup away from Mr. Coulson.
(c) She is hoping to get away from the house for a while, herself.
(d) She will need to make arrangements for Mr. Coulson's care.

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

8. 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) The original quote is "a young man's fancy," and he realizes that he is not a "young" man.
(c) He cannot remember the exact words of the quotation.
(d) Mrs. Widdup is giving him a puzzled look.

9. When Mr. Coulson continues quoting the poem and mentions "a livelier iris," what does Mrs. Widdup think he is talking about? (333)
(a) A bird.
(b) Eyes.
(c) Flowers.
(d) The Irish.

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

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Mr. Coulson complains about the cold, what is his servant's response?

2. How does the narrator suggest the reader should respond to the poet who praises the month of May?

3. What is clear in the first interaction between Mr. Coulson, Miss Coulson, and Mrs. Widdup?

4. When the author compares May to Circe and explains the comparison at length, what literary technique is he using?

5. What physical gesture of affection does Mr. Coulson make toward Mrs. Widdup?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample