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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who writes the Preface of THE NICK ADAMS STORIES?

2. What emotion does Nick recall having?

3. Which of the following does Nick's mother NOT do for his father?

4. Who is the doctor in this story?

5. What is the setting for this story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Nick in this story and what is his interaction with a disgruntled fellow soldier?

2. How does Hemingway show the stereotype of a good wife?

3. What is the them in this story?

4. How does Nick show uncharacteristic anger in this story?

5. What negative stereotype about Native Americans in this story?

6. How is Nick's demeanor in this story uncharacteristic of his usual calm manner?

7. What is the nature of Nick's relationship with his sister, Littless?

8. How does Hemingway show Nick's true feelings toward Kate?

9. What does Nick recall about being scared when camping with his father and uncle one time?

10. In what way could this story be autobiographical for Hemingway?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Three-Day Blow," Nick likens his behavior of breaking up with Marjorie to the storms that are called Three-Day Blows. What is meant by a Three-Day Blow? Why does Nick compare his actions to it? Is he being reasonable or just trying to justify his behavior?

Essay Topic 2

Hemingway writes most of these stories on the theme of the fear of death. Choose three characters from any of the stories and give their views on death. Are they afraid? Do they live in denial? How do they approach it?

Essay Topic 3

Hemingway writes about women giving birth or wanting a child in several of the stories. What is the significance of the birth theme to these stories and in literature in general?

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