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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In her letter about the obituary in the Globe and Mail, what kind of days does Reta write that she is going through?
(a) Fearful.
(b) Unhappy.
(c) Dismal.
(d) Bleak.

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

3. Why do Christine and Natalie think something terrible must have happened to Norah?
(a) Because Norah has made such a drastic change in her life.
(b) Because they witnessed something terrible happening to Norah.
(c) Because Norah told them something terrible happened.
(d) Because they heard something terrible may have happened to Norah.

4. Who tells Reta and Tom that "Vagrancy can be thoughtful or careless; she has chosen the latter"?
(a) Danielle Westerman.
(b) A psychiatrist.
(c) Ben Abbot.
(d) Norah's professor.

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?
(a) An artifical limb.
(b) A mastectomy bra.
(c) A colostomy bag.
(d) An oxygen tank.

6. What do Reta and Tom speculate about Norah's wrists?
(a) Whether Norah has made unsavory friends.
(b) Whether Norah has used a razor in a suicide attempt.
(c) Whether someone else has hurt Norah.
(d) Whether Norah has fallen and hurt herself.

7. What has been able to distract Reta from grieving for Norah?
(a) Her novel.
(b) Her family.
(c) Her friends.
(d) Her house.

8. What does Norah use to try and put out the flames from the woman's fire?
(a) A cotton blanket.
(b) A wool rug.
(c) A linen shirt.
(d) A plastic dish rack.

9. Who does Arthur frighten when he accidentally knocks over the object at Reta's house?
(a) Pet.
(b) Reta.
(c) Christine.
(d) Natalie.

10. In the story, who does Reta think the Czech professor must hate?
(a) The reader.
(b) The writer.
(c) Women.
(d) Himself.

11. According to the Chair in Theology, what faith is balanced on words "already" and "not yet?"
(a) The Christian faith.
(b) The Lutheran faith.
(c) The Jewish faith.
(d) The Protestant faith.

12. Arthur tells Reta the day after Christmas that he is filled with admiration for what?
(a) Reta's talent.
(b) Roman's faith.
(c) Alicia's goodness.
(d) Norah's resolve.

13. Whose obituary does Reta read in the Globe and Mail?
(a) Pam Horton.
(b) Paul Hillsdale.
(c) Peter Harding.
(d) Paula Hemingway.

14. In her letter to the short story writer, Reta hints that a single _________ moment was caught on videotape.
(a) Horrifying.
(b) Extraordinary.
(c) Terrifying.
(d) Wonderful.

15. Who is elected Prime Minister again?
(a) Kim Campbell.
(b) John Turner.
(c) Pierre Trudeau.
(d) Jean Chretrien.

Short Answer Questions

1. What title does Arthur suggest for Reta's novel?

2. The nature of _______dominates the conversation between Reta and Danielle at lunch.

3. In January, what has Reta left in limbo since her last conversation with Arthur Springer?

4. What items are NOT in the package Christine and Natalie bring Norah after Christmas break?

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

(see the answer keys)

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