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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 "full of isolated events"?
(a) Life.
(b) Work.
(c) Writing.
(d) Reading.

2. According to Arthur, Roman is an ___________ and ___________ character.
(a) Interesting; smart.
(b) Intelligent; interesting.
(c) Indifferent; dull.
(d) Indescribable; complex.

3. What is the name of the hospital that Norah is in?
(a) Ontario Psychiatric Hospital.
(b) Toronto Psychiatric Hospital.
(c) Toronto General Hospital.
(d) Ontario General Hospital.

4. Why is Reta alarmed by the sight of Norah's hands?
(a) They are bruised.
(b) They are broken.
(c) They are scarred.
(d) They are cut.

5. How does Reta sign her letter to Ford-Halpern?
(a) Yours, Rita Orange d'Ville.
(b) Yours, Rita Orange.
(c) Yours, Reta Winters.
(d) Yours, Reta Orangetown.

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

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

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

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

10. The nature of _______dominates the conversation between Reta and Danielle at lunch.
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) Virtue.
(c) Love.
(d) Faith.

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

12. What does Reta find "ugly, vast, and arresting" as she and Tom walk in the cemetery?
(a) An old oak tree.
(b) A stone monument.
(c) The sky above them.
(d) The icy field.

13. What great themes of literature does Reta tell Helt she learned while in high school?
(a) Birth, death, love, connections, work, and understanding.
(b) Birth, death, work, suffering, and understanding.
(c) Birth, death, good, evil, and sympathy.
(d) Birth, love, work, goodness, and sympathy.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Arthur state that he thinks of the final chapter as the "kiln?"

2. In the story, who does Reta think the Czech professor must hate?

3. What does Reta notice on Norah's wrists?

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

5. What month does Reta finally meet Arthur Springer for the first time at her home?

(see the answer keys)

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