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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. Why does Norah enroll at the University of Toronto?

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. What sport have Christine and Natalie given up playing on Saturdays to spend the day with Norah?

4. What does Reta immerse herself in despite her continuing grief?

5. What prize did Reta's novel, "My Thyme is Up," win the previous year?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Norah make the sarcastic observation in her letter to Alexander Valkner that he must have suffered from extreme fatigue when he thought of his list of "literary big cats"?

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

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

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

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

6. How are Reta's feelings about sex related to her writing about Alicia and Roman?

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

8. Why does the memory of shopping for the perfect scarf for Norah haunt Reta as a "big female secret" and what does the scarf represent?

9. Describe the response of the Winters' family to seeing the hostel where Norah stays and its significance.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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

1. What facts about the city of Toronto relate directly or indirectly to the lives of the characters?

2. What facts about the time in which the novel is set, 2000-2001, relate directly or indirectly to the novel's themes and overall meaning?

Essay Topic 3

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

1. What is the function of Reta's writing in portraying her ideas about the world?

2. Do Reta's novels and letters serve the same purpose? Why or why not?

3. How does Danielle's writing compare with Reta's in terms of its significance?

(see the answer keys)

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