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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Reta, what is the most egregious change Arthur suggests she make in her novel?
(a) That she make Alicia the focus instead of Roman.
(b) That she introduce another character to marry Roman.
(c) That she make Roman the focus instead of Alicia.
(d) That she introduce another character to marry Alicia.

2. In her letter about the obituary in the Globe and Mail, what does Reta state she has missed out on?
(a) Some indefinable something.
(b) Something definable.
(c) Nothing.
(d) Everything.

3. In the cemetery, what is the inscription beneath Mary Leland's name on her headstone?
(a) She Took Good Care of Her Husband.
(b) She Took Good Care of Her Children.
(c) She Took Good Care of Her Chickens.
(d) She Took Good Care of Her Cows.

4. Why does Arthur tell Reta the day after Christmas that it is urgent that she come to New York?
(a) Because he wants her to give a reading at a major bookstore.
(b) Because he wants to meet before he leaves the country.
(c) Because he wants her to sign a six figure book deal.
(d) Because he wants to have a conference before she finishes the first draft.

5. What assessment does Helt have of Reta's first novel?
(a) That it was quickly written and a light read.
(b) That it was well-written and complex.
(c) That it was entertaining but poorly written.
(d) That it was laborious and difficult to understand.

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

7. Why does Arthur state that he thinks of the final chapter as the "kiln?"
(a) Because the clay is as malleable as a reader's interpretation.
(b) Because the heat of the fire is akin to the power of the ending.
(c) Because the labor of creation is the same in writing as in art.
(d) Because the clay is malleable and the ending will harden into something beautiful.

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. What does Reta think of Helt's assessment of her first novel?
(a) Reta agrees with Helt and is glad to be regarded as a serious writer.
(b) Reta agrees with Helt but does not want to be disregarded as a serious writer.
(c) Reta disagrees with Helt and does not want to be disregarded as a serious writer.
(d) Reta disagrees with Helt but is glad to be regarded as a serious writer.

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

14. For what dish did Lois win a prize at the Orangetown Fair?
(a) Greek baklava.
(b) English fish and chips.
(c) Irish stew.
(d) German honey cake.

15. According to the friend who advised Reta as a young writer, what do obituaries contain?
(a) The putty of life.
(b) The seeds of life.
(c) The soil of life.
(d) The dough of life.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the woman who sets herself on fire outside of Honest Ed's wearing?

2. When Reta leaves Arthur in the house by himself to go to the hospital, what does he do?

3. According to Reta, what is "full of isolated events"?

4. What date does Arthur Springer agree to meet with Reta in 2001?

5. In her review of a female author, Helt states that all relationships are seen through the lens of what?

(see the answer keys)

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