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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the letter to the short story writer, why does Reta mention that her friend Emma lost the integrity of her body?
(a) Because she had a double mastectomy.
(b) Because she lost her leg.
(c) Because she can't breathe on her own.
(d) Because she had colon cancer.

2. In January, what has Reta left in limbo since her last conversation with Arthur Springer?
(a) Writing her novel.
(b) Visiting Norah.
(c) Translating Danielle's book.
(d) Talking to Danielle.

3. What does Reta call the "worry word" of life?
(a) Maybe.
(b) Unless.
(c) Until.
(d) Because.

4. What does Tom think Norah might be suffering from?
(a) Post-traumatic stress syndrome.
(b) Bipolar disorder.
(c) Depression.
(d) Amnesia.

5. During lunch, why is Danielle disappointed with Reta's decision to write another novel?
(a) Because she thinks Reta's first novel wasn't very good.
(b) Because she considers writing fiction a trivial pursuit.
(c) Because she wants Reta to focus on rescuing Norah.
(d) Because she wants Reta to translate another one of her books.

6. Who works as a trombonist?
(a) Emma.
(b) Roman.
(c) Alicia.
(d) Danielle.

7. According to Reta, what can "help us turn down the volume of our own interior discourse"?
(a) Family.
(b) Work.
(c) Novels.
(d) Nature.

8. What does Reta mention in her letter about the obituary that she wants from the universe?
(a) Understanding.
(b) Forgiveness.
(c) Comfort.
(d) Peace.

9. Who has been appointed to a university Chair in Theology?
(a) Emma Allen.
(b) Danielle Westerman.
(c) Gemma Walsh.
(d) Emily Helt.

10. What does Arthur accidentally knock over during his first visit at Reta's?
(a) A glass vase.
(b) A book.
(c) A wine bottle.
(d) A serving platter.

11. How does Reta sign her letter about the obituary in the Globe and Mail?
(a) I grieve for you too. Rita Hayworth Orange Blossom City.
(b) I no longer mourn for you. Rita Hayworth Orange Blossom City.
(c) I forgive you too. Rita Hayworth Orange Blossom City.
(d) I will not forgive you. Rita Hayworth Orange Blossom City.

12. Why does Arthur Springer call Reta the day after Christmas?
(a) To tell her that he has not read her partial first draft.
(b) To tell her that her partial first draft needs work.
(c) To tell her that he has corrected her partial first draft.
(d) To tell her that her partial first draft is wonderful.

13. Why does Lois knock on the door to investigate when Arthur is in the house by himself?
(a) Lois comes to investigate after waiting for the usual signs for dinner.
(b) Lois comes to investigate after seeing a stranger lurking outside.
(c) Lois comes to investigate after hearing a loud noise.
(d) Lois comes to investigate after seeing Arthur close the curtains.

14. What is the short story writer's name who Reta writes a letter to?
(a) Robert Spiller.
(b) Renee Simon.
(c) Richard Smiley.
(d) Russell Sandor.

15. Why has Danielle deleted her early life and reinvented herself?
(a) Because she suffered from an accident and has trouble remembering.
(b) Because she feels the past must be forgotten in order to move forward.
(c) Because she thinks it is important for feminists to assume new identities.
(d) Because her early life is too painful and she wants to forget everything.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Francis, why does everyone dismiss Norah's gloves at the hostel?

2. According to Reta, what is the most egregious change Arthur suggests she make in her novel?

3. How does Reta sign her letter to Ford-Halpern?

4. According to Arthur, Roman is an ___________ and ___________ character.

5. In the short story that Reta writes her letter about, what does the Czech professor see in the medical supply shop that disgusts him?

(see the answer keys)

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