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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 4, 5 and 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Finish this West African proverb from Chapter 2: "The beginning of wisdom is.."
(a) nature.
(b) to get you a roof.
(c) listening to others.
(d) to open a book.

2. What was Dillard's painter neighbor, Glenn, working on for six months in Chapter 6?
(a) Dipping papers into vats of colored oil on water.
(b) Folded sculpture.
(c) Painting over marbleized papers.
(d) Landscapes painted by dripping paint on canvas.

3. Why did Dillard refer to a Zulu warrior and an Aztec maiden in Chapter 3?
(a) To compare writers to religious icons.
(b) As an idea for a writing theme.
(c) As an analogy for readiness and preparation.
(d) To show what an author is like.

4. When Dillard lacked sufficient energy for writing one morning in Chapter 3, what does she say she did to try and get it?
(a) Split some wood and smoked.
(b) Ran a few miles and ate.
(c) Smoked and drank coffee.
(d) Played the recorder.

5. Where did Willa Cather write her prairie novels?
(a) Wisconsin.
(b) Kansas City.
(c) New York City.
(d) Miami.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dillard say that she believes a writer should aim for when writing?

2. Thornton Wilder cited an unnamed writer of sonnets as saying only one line drops from where?

3. According to Dillard, what kind of life is a life of sensation?

4. Whose wife posed for the Liberty dime?

5. What did Frederick Buechner note about an author realizing that he is actually writing?

(see the answer key)

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