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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 kind of world is Reta interested in creating for her characters?
(a) A nonfictional but unbelievable world.
(b) A fictional but believable world.
(c) A nonfictional but believable world.
(d) A fictional but unbelievable world.

2. In what point of view is Reta considering writing her novel?
(a) Third-person limited point of view.
(b) First-person point of view.
(c) Second-person point of view.
(d) Third-person omniscient point of view.

3. What constant preoccupation does Reta think is not a normal activity for anyone BUT writers?
(a) The constant preoccupation with a world that exists in the imagination.
(b) The constant preoccupation with recreating the past.
(c) The constant preoccupation with real life and death concerns.
(d) The constant preoccupation with the self.

4. Why does Reta write a letter of complaint to an editor of a literary magazine about a series of books called "Great Minds of the Western Intellectual World"?
(a) Because the books only focus on Western intellectuals.
(b) Because her books are left out of the list.
(c) Because most of the books feature 19th century women.
(d) Because none of the books feature women writers.

5. What does Reta question about her feelings for Tom?
(a) Whether she loves him.
(b) Whether she respects him.
(c) Whether she dislikes him.
(d) Whether she trusts him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of Reta's friend, a medical journalist who lives in Newfoundland?

2. What does Norah accidentally find in the pocket of Christine's winter parka?

3. According to Reta, what is the most important aspect in her life?

4. How does Tessa discover the mystery of Norah's disappearance six months prior?

5. Who is playing the piano when Reta and Tom have finished their work after their package is delivered?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Reta's feelings about the formation of her inner dialogue, the "longest conversation" that goes on in a lifetime in a person's mind.

2. How does the American election results in Florida that Tom, Christine, and Natalie watch relate to Norah's absence?

3. What is Reta's complaint in her letter to the editor of a literary magazine regarding one of its advertising pages?

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

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

6. Describe life in the Winters' household.

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

8. During Norah's visit from university the previous year, Reta states that she knew how "wildly out control" Norah was, how "she'd become dangerous to her own being." Describe why Reta comes to this conclusion.

9. Describe the response of the Winters' family to seeing the hostel where Norah stays and its significance.

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

(see the answer keys)

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