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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 Reta want to demonstrate when she and Tom visit Ben after Norah's sudden disappearance?
(a) Her approval of Ben.
(b) Her approval of Norah.
(c) Her disapproval of Ben.
(d) Her disapproval of Norah.

2. Why does Reta cry as she writes the check for the hostel each month?
(a) Reta cries out of grief.
(b) Reta cries out of heartbreak.
(c) Reta cries out of pity.
(d) Reta cries out of heartfelt appreciation.

3. Who does Reta meet for lunch after a radio interview in Baltimore?
(a) Her old friend, Gwen.
(b) Her editor, Arthur.
(c) Her daughter, Christine.
(d) Her mentor, Danielle.

4. What is the name of the university Norah is accepted to in 1998?
(a) St. Mary's University.
(b) McGill University.
(c) University of Victoria.
(d) King's College.

5. Who does Reta go see after her encounter with Norah in early November?
(a) Mr. Scribano.
(b) Danielle Westerman.
(c) Emma Allen.
(d) Alexander Valkner.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Reta decide not to attend the funeral for the person at Scribano & Lawrence?

2. According to Reta, what are women still dismissed and excluded from?

3. What do Reta, Tom, Christine, and Natalie do in the car in Toronto?

4. What has a dormitory appearance with meals served and an enforced curfew?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Reta Winter's thoughts and feelings as the novel opens.

3. 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.

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

5. Why do Reta and her writer friends at the Orange Blossom Room conclude that the concepts of goodness and greatness are incompatible for women?

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

7. Describe life in the Winters' household.

8. Why does Reta view her trip to the library as a way of reconnecting with Norah?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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