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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 is delivered to the house that is emblematic of life going on in the Winters' household?
(a) Books.
(b) Mulch.
(c) Flowers.
(d) Plants.

2. 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 most of the books feature 19th century women.
(c) Because none of the books feature women writers.
(d) Because her books are left out of the list.

3. According to Reta, what are women still dismissed and excluded from?
(a) Primary entitlements.
(b) Accolades and compensation.
(c) Economic advancement.
(d) Freedom of expression.

4. Why is Colin's marriage to Marietta troubled?
(a) Because Marietta is unfaithful.
(b) Because Colin is unfaithful.
(c) Because Marietta has suddenly left Colin.
(d) Because Colin has suddenly left Marietta.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Norah ask Reta about their family when she is nine years-old?

2. What does Reta bring Norah on the way to her appointment to have her eyebrows tinted?

3. According to Arthur, who possesses "profound human goodness"?

4. What draft does Arthur ask Reta to send him?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Danielle believe that Norah has embraced her powerlessness in society by living as a homeless person?

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

5. When does Reta's mind begin to wander and what does she think of during dinner with Tom's physicist friend, Colin Glass?

6. What are some concerns Reta has in creating her fictional character Alicia, and how are they significant?

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

8. Describe life in the Winters' household.

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

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

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