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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. What constant preoccupation does Reta think is not a normal activity for anyone BUT writers?

2. In the few weeks prior to her disappearance, who does Ben think Norah might have a problem with that would account for her uncharacteristic behavior?

3. 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"?

4. What is Reta's struggle about what a writer of fiction should give the reader?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Reta realize that she cannot create a perfect woman as a hero in her novel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the role of family in the novel, responding to the following questions:

1. What responsibilities do family members share?

2. Does Shields portray the Winters family as being functional or dysfunctional?

3. How are the Winters family members treated?

4. Who is accepted as a family member and who is not?

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of language in "Unless"? Identify and discuss the following relationships and its significance for the characters:

1. Language and identity.

2. Language and truth.

3. Language and power.

(see the answer keys)

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