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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Who lost her own son to a heroin overdose?
(a) Alicia.
(b) Emma.
(c) Tracy.
(d) Danielle.

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

5. In Reta's letter to Ford-Halpern, what failure is "a moral dilemma in itself"?
(a) Ford-Halpern's failure to treat Norah.
(b) Ford-Halpern's failure to improve Reta's novel.
(c) Ford-Halpern's failure to ask tough questions.
(d) Ford-Halpern's failure to mention any female contributors.

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

7. What date does Arthur Springer agree to meet with Reta in 2001?
(a) January 30th.
(b) January 4th.
(c) January 19th.
(d) January 2nd.

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

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

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

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

12. Why does Reta think that novel writing is perhaps a pointless exercise?
(a) Because there are fewer readers interested in them.
(b) Because there is so much moral injustice in the world.
(c) Because it has not helped her heal from Norah's absence.
(d) Because she is afraid that she lacks talent to continue.

13. What is the exception Reta is going to make regarding the letter to the short story writer?
(a) Reta is going to publish it.
(b) Reta is going to burn it.
(c) Reta is not going to send it.
(d) Reta is actually going to send it.

14. Why does Arthur tell Reta the day after Christmas that he has been up all night?
(a) Because her book needs a lot of work.
(b) Because he has been thinking about Alicia.
(c) Because he is concerned Reta will miss a deadline.
(d) Because he has not received her book.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why has Danielle deleted her early life and reinvented herself?

2. Why does Reta have difficulty carrying on a conversation with Arthur when he comes o her home for the first time?

3. In the letter to the short story writer, why does Reta mention that her friend Emma lost the integrity of her body?

4. In her letter to the short story writer, Reta hints that a single _________ moment was caught on videotape.

5. Whose obituary does Reta read in the Globe and Mail?

(see the answer keys)

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