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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 Arthur tell Reta the day after Christmas that he has been up all night?

2. In her review of a female author, Helt states that all relationships are seen through the lens of what?

3. What do the Winters believe Norah will do with the package Christine and Natalie give her?

4. According to Arthur, Roman is an ___________ and ___________ character.

5. Why do Christine and Natalie think something terrible must have happened to Norah?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Reta feel that Arthur's suggestion to focus on Roman instead of Alicia is an egregious one?

2. What is Reta's impression of Arthur Springer when she finally meets him at her home in January and how do they get into a heated discussion?

3. Why does an older friend of Reta's advise her to read obituaries as a young writer?

4. What rationale does Reta offer about the importance of novels despite moral injustice in the world?

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

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

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

8. In her letter about the death of Peter Harding, how does Reta compare herself to Norah?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of goodness in the novel as an idea and a catalyst for change, responding to the following questions:

1. What does the concept of goodness mean to Reta?

2. What does the concept of goodness mean to Norah?

3. What is the overall message of goodness as an idea in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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