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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Under what circumstances did Rabbi Uri of Strelisk tell his family to dispose of his manuscripts?
(a) If praying should kill him.
(b) If writing became the death of him.
(c) If there was a risk of fire.
(d) If he should die on his way to prayers.

2. Dillard refers to writing as changing "..from an expression of your notions to an epistemological tool." What does epistemological mean?
(a) A philosophy concerned with the nature and origin of knowledge.
(b) Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth.
(c) Bacterial DNA that is extrachromosomal.
(d) Greek knowledge.

3. What do experienced writers urge young men and women to learn, according to Chapter 1?
(a) How to spell.
(b) Shakesperian plays.
(c) A useful trade.
(d) Word definitions.

4. How long did it take William Faulkner to write "As I Lay Dying"?
(a) Six weeks.
(b) Ten years.
(c) Six years.
(d) Six months.

5. What does Dillard say that the printed word cannot compete with?
(a) The movies.
(b) People.
(c) Travel.
(d) Music.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dillard's "line of words" do with random pictures in the writer's mind?

2. Who does Dillard say that she believes to be one of the most prolific writers who has ever lived?

3. When a writer is stuck while writing a book, what does Dillard think he should do?

4. What is needed in the world more than another excellent manuscript, as far as Dillard is concerned?

5. Dillard believes that some writers weaken their resolve to discard parts of their work. Why?

(see the answer key)

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