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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 does Arthur accidentally knock over during his first visit at Reta's?

2. In the cemetery, what is the inscription beneath Mary Leland's name on her headstone?

3. Why does Arthur state that he thinks of the final chapter as the "kiln?"

4. What title does Arthur suggest for Reta's novel?

5. What does Reta think of Helt's assessment of her first novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What issue does Reta take with Emily Helt's book review in the Chicago Tribune?

2. Why does Reta make an exception in sending her letter to Russell Sandor, a short story writer?

3. According to Reta, why is goodness not a guaranteed virtue?

4. What does Reta notice on Norah's wrists that cause Tom to forget his trilobites and research stress and trauma?

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

6. Why is Lois's conversation with Arthur when she comes over to investigate about dinner significant?

7. According to Reta, what is the "worry word" of life and why is it significant?

8. At the end of the novel, what do we learn about the reason for Norah's disappearance and subsequent homelessness?

9. How does Arthur feel about Roman, the other main character in Reta's novel?

10. According to Gemma Walsh, Reta's friend who has been appointed Chair of Theology, the Christian faith is balance on the words "already" and "not yet." Why does Reta find this significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the role of conflict in "Unless." Discuss Reta's conflict with society. Discuss Norah's conflict with society.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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