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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the name of the hostel Reta writes a check to each month?
(a) Pillars Hostel.
(b) Passage Hostel.
(c) Peace Hostel.
(d) Promise Hostel.

2. Whose personality is Reta worried about developing in her novel?
(a) Norah's.
(b) Roman's.
(c) Danielle's.
(d) Alicia's.

3. What rationale does Reta offer about Norah's strange behavior in her letter to Valkner?
(a) It is Norah's way of getting back at Reta for not being there for her.
(b) It is Norah's deliberate effort to extiguish herself and be a nothing.
(c) It is Norah's excuse not to finish school and get her degree.
(d) It is Norah's attempt to be special and above everyone else.

4. In what point of view is Reta considering writing her novel?
(a) Third-person omniscient point of view.
(b) First-person point of view.
(c) Third-person limited point of view.
(d) Second-person point of view.

5. What is the name of the previous owners of Reta and Tom's Ontario farmhouse?
(a) McGregor.
(b) McGuffin.
(c) McGafferty.
(d) McGinn.

6. What is the name of Reta's friend, a medical journalist who lives in Newfoundland?
(a) Emily Alister.
(b) Edith Ackman.
(c) Esther Alford.
(d) Emma Allen.

7. What troubles Norah when she comes home one weekend her second year at university?
(a) Norah is disturbed by the sense that she cannot love anyone enough.
(b) Norah is afraid that she will disappoint her parents by failing school.
(c) Norah is anxious about her decision to live with her boyfriend.
(d) Norah is upset that she cannot spend more time with her sisters.

8. Why is Colin's marriage to Marietta troubled?
(a) Because Colin is unfaithful.
(b) Because Colin has suddenly left Marietta.
(c) Because Marietta has suddenly left Colin.
(d) Because Marietta is unfaithful.

9. What is Reta's struggle about what a writer of fiction should give the reader?
(a) How much background information should be given.
(b) How much her characters should be like her readers.
(c) How many metaphors and similes should be used.
(d) How many points of view should be given.

10. Why does Reta write a letter of complaint to an editor of a literary magazine about a series of books called "Great Minds of the Western Intellectual World"?
(a) Because her books are left out of the list.
(b) Because the books only focus on Western intellectuals.
(c) Because most of the books feature 19th century women.
(d) Because none of the books feature women writers.

11. According to Reta's writer friends at the Orange Blossom Room, why are women excluded from real life?
(a) Because men view women as incapable of rational thought.
(b) Because men view women as lacking moral authority and capability.
(c) Because men view women as superior to everyday concerns.
(d) Because men view women as more capable and superior.

12. What days does Reta drive to Toronto to see Norah?
(a) Mondays.
(b) Wednesdays.
(c) Saturdays.
(d) Tuesdays.

13. What does Norah accidentally find in the pocket of Christine's winter parka?
(a) A letter from Norah.
(b) A failing report card.
(c) A bent cigarette.
(d) A love letter.

14. According to Ben, Norah had become uncharacteristically __________ and __________ in the few weeks prior to her disappearance.
(a) Manic; jumpy.
(b) Irritable; short-tempered.
(c) Calm; peaceful.
(d) Depressed; lethargic.

15. During dinner, after Reta and Tom have finished their work, where do Reta's thoughts turn to besides Norah?
(a) The two main characters in her novel.
(b) The bad news on television.
(c) The wedding of her friend, Danielle.
(d) The upcoming holidays.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the book Reta picks up at Orangetown Library?

2. What is delivered to the house that is emblematic of life going on in the Winters' household?

3. What is the subject of the new book Tom is reading?

4. What is undrinkable according to Colin?

5. Where is the apartment Norah shares with her boyfriend located in the building in Toronto?

(see the answer keys)

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