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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what point of view is Reta considering writing her novel?

2. Whose personality is Reta worried about developing in her novel?

3. What does Tom's friend, Colin Glass, try to explain to Norah when he comes over for dinner?

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

5. Who does Reta go see after her encounter with Norah in early November?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Reta's husband Tom do for a living and how is it significant concerning Norah's absence?

2. How do Natalie and Christine attempt to give the impression that Norah's absence is part of a normal routine?

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

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

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

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

7. 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.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, Reta has several flashbacks about Norah in the weeks before her disappearance. Choose three memories and discuss what they reveal about Reta, Norah, and the nature of their relationship.

Essay Topic 2

How does Shields portray heroines in the novel? Respond to the following:

1. What characters can be regarded as tragic heroines?

2. Discuss Reta's ideas about heroines and heroism.

3. How are the heroines in the novel in opposition to society?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of minor characters in the novel.

1. Identify three minor characters and their relationship to the major characters.

2. Describe these three minor characters' physical and psychological attributes. Are they flat or round?

(see the answer keys)

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