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

2. Which poem did Dillard often read aloud?
(a) Miracles.
(b) Sea Hollly.
(c) The Comet.
(d) The Tower.

3. Which book does Dillard say she discovered that she touched every night in the darkened library to find her room?
(a) World's End.
(b) It's the End of the World.
(c) The World Without Us.
(d) The World I Live In.

4. What question does Dillard say a writer must ask when considering random scenes that come to mind?
(a) How many scenes do I need to write?
(b) Do I want to expose these scenes to the light?
(c) Should I write everything I think of?
(d) Is writing the same as film exposure?

5. Dillard believes that some writers weaken their resolve to discard parts of their work. Why?
(a) The words have come to have a necessary quality.
(b) People have told them it is too good to discard.
(c) It is too much work.
(d) They believe every word they write is too important to discard.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where was Ferrar heading as he rowed against the current all night?

2. How did Dillard come to understand the proper way to split wood?

3. Dillard repeated the phrase, 'It is the grave of Jesus, where he lay' over and over like a song in Chapter 5. What poem is this line from?

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

5. In working-class France, what did Dillard say that experienced workers tell an apprentice who gets hurt or tired?

(see the answer key)

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