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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Tom's friend, Colin Glass, try to explain to Norah when he comes over for dinner?
(a) Curie's Theory of Radioactivity.
(b) Newton's Laws of Motion.
(c) Darwin's Theory of Evolution.
(d) Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

2. Why does Reta also chide Valkner about his article "The History of Dictionaries"?
(a) For failing to mention some of the century's great female writers.
(b) For his patronizing tone in discussing some of the great female writers of the century.
(c) For attempting to discuss all literature instead of narrowing his focus.
(d) For including male writers that are blatantly sexist.

3. Why does Reta protest sending Arthur a draft?
(a) Because she lost it on the computer.
(b) Because she thinks it is terrible.
(c) Because it is only in her mind.
(d) Because she wants to work with another editor.

4. What draft does Arthur ask Reta to send him?
(a) The first draft of her new novel.
(b) The final draft of her next novel.
(c) The first draft of her next novel.
(d) The final draft of her new novel.

5. Why does Norah enroll at the University of Toronto?
(a) To live with her boyfriend.
(b) To be closer to her family.
(c) To get away from her family.
(d) To get away from her boyfriend.

Short Answer Questions

1. What troubles Norah when she comes home one weekend her second year at university?

2. What task do Reta and Tom engage in after the package is delivered to the Winters' home?

3. What two actual events do Reta's writer friends also discuss at the Orange Blossom Room?

4. What days does Reta drive to Toronto to see Norah?

5. How are Reta and Danielle different?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Reta's feelings about Tom and their sexual relationship?

2. What does Reta do each month that indicates her attempt to live up to an idea of "goodness?"

3. According to Ben, how has Norah changed in the few weeks prior to her disappearance?

4. Why does Reta wake up with anxiety about cleaning her house?

5. Why is Reta reluctant to give Arthur Springer a first draft of her novel, and what does it reveal about her writing?

6. Why does Norah make the sarcastic observation in her letter to Alexander Valkner that he must have suffered from extreme fatigue when he thought of his list of "literary big cats"?

7. Why does Reta realize that she cannot create a perfect woman as a hero in her novel?

8. Describe Reta's peculiar behavior when she visits Norah in early November.

9. How does Reta respond to the death of Mr. Scribano and how is it significant?

10. Why does Arthur love Alicia as a character and why is it significant?

(see the answer keys)

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