2. What does Reta think of Helt's assessment of her first novel?
(a) Reta disagrees with Helt and does not want to be disregarded as a serious writer.
(b) Reta agrees with Helt but does not want to be disregarded as a serious writer.
(c) Reta agrees with Helt and is glad to be regarded as a serious writer.
(d) Reta disagrees with Helt but is glad to be regarded as a serious writer.

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

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

5. What does Natalie remind her family about how long Norah has been wearing her garden gloves?
(a) That Norah has been wearing them since the previous summer.
(b) That Norah has been wearing them since the previous spring.
(c) That Norah has been wearing them since the previous winter.
(d) That Norah has been wearing them since the previous fall.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Reta mention in her letter about the obituary that she wants from the universe?

2. Who is elected Prime Minister again?

3. According to Reta, what is "full of isolated events"?

4. What does Reta notice on Norah's wrists?

5. Who does Arthur frighten when he accidentally knocks over the object at Reta's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Reta and Tom's walk in Orangetown cemetery represent?

2. Why does Arthur Springer call one day after Christmas and what is Reta's response?

3. At the hospital, what does Natalie reveal about the injuries to Norah's hands?

4. Why don't the Winters' want to discuss the fact that Norah probably gave her Christmas package away?

5. How does Emma, Reta's journalist friend, try to comfort her and how is it significant?

6. As Reta and Arthur have their heated discussion, what three things happen that interrupt them that provide comic relief to the serious conversation?

7. What is Lois's true opinion of what happened to Norah that she is afraid to express?

8. When Reta and Tom consult a psychiatrist about Norah, what does he tell them and how do they respond?

9. Describe Reta and Lois's relationship.

10. When Tom calls to inform Reta that Norah is in the hospital, how does the point of view change in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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