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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To whom does Nathaniel imagine telling the story of the Y2K computer issue?
(a) His grandchildren.
(b) His readers.
(c) His children.
(d) A historian.

2. Of all of the things that Nathaniel can see from Matsumoto's loft, which is most important to him?
(a) The Chrysler Building.
(b) The Statue of Liberty.
(c) The World Trade Center.
(d) The Empire State Building.

3. What made tears come into Nathaniel's eyes the first time he saw Matsumoto's loft?
(a) The flat-screen television.
(b) The Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
(c) The view from the terrace.
(d) The art on the walls.

4. When Lucien is in the gallery imagining that he is with Charlie, what does he promise her?
(a) He will find another woman to love and be happy again.
(b) He will try to think more kindly about Rose and Isaac.
(c) He will find another apartment for Nathaniel.
(d) He will put more energy into the gallery.

5. From the story's context, when must Charlie have died?
(a) In the year 2003.
(b) Shortly after the September 11th attack.
(c) Before the year 2000.
(d) In the year 2000.

6. Which character works for Itami Systems?
(a) Lyle.
(b) Lucien.
(c) Madison.
(d) Matsumoto.

7. What does Nathaniel suggest that people might be desperate enough to burn in the wake of a global computer failure?
(a) Their old issues of the New York Review.
(b) Their children's elementary school artwork.
(c) Their designer clothing and shoes.
(d) Stacks of money.

8. Where did Nathaniel live before he moved to New York?
(a) The Midwest.
(b) The Southwest.
(c) California.
(d) Minnesota.

9. What do Rose and Isaac ask Lucien to do when he calls Nathaniel after Nathaniel arrives in New York?
(a) Find Nathaniel a place to live.
(b) Get Nathaniel a job.
(c) Tell Nathaniel to go back home.
(d) Not tell Nathaniel that they asked Lucien to call.

10. Which of the possible consequences of a global computer failure that Nathaniel mentions could be considered foreshadowing?
(a) The idea that airplanes might lose their guidance systems and crash.
(b) The idea that widespread food shortages might occur.
(c) The idea that hospitals might not be able to monitor patients.
(d) The idea that people might be trapped in high-rise elevators.

11. What is Russell's business relationship to Amity?
(a) He works with her at the stock exchange.
(b) He is her lawyer.
(c) He is an employee of her P.R. firm.
(d) He is her book agent.

12. How are Nathaniel and Lucien related?
(a) Nathaniel is Lucian's son-in-law.
(b) Nathaniel is Lucien's brother's son.
(c) Nathaniel is Lucien's nephew by marriage.
(d) Nathaniel is Lucian's cousin's son.

13. What does Isaac do for a living?
(a) He is a rabbi.
(b) He repairs cars.
(c) He owns a deli.
(d) He makes vacuum cleaners.

14. What is Nathaniel's job in the narrative present?
(a) He is a bartender at a bar near Matsumoto's loft.
(b) He works in the New York subway's architecture department.
(c) He works on the floor of the New York Stock exchange.
(d) He works as a building manager for Matsumoto.

15. What does Nathaniel say that ceremonial occasions remind us about?
(a) That time only moves in one direction.
(b) That we should love one another.
(c) That life is unpredictable.
(d) That ideas are bigger than any one person.

Short Answer Questions

1. Besides their minimal rent, what task are Nathaniel and his roommates performing in exchange for a place to live?

2. Why is Lyle sad all of the time?

3. What does Lucien end up saying to his assistant on page 8 when he wants to give her a piece of advice?

4. Where did Nathaniel meet Madison, Amity, and Lyle?

5. What is the name of Lucien's assistant?

(see the answer keys)

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