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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 the story, what is the chimney a metaphor for?

2. Why do the narrator and J.P. look forward to meals?

3. What is the first thing J.P. and his wife do when she arrives at the facility?

4. What is the last line of the story?

5. What word does J.P. use to describe how the facility's proprietor makes him feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give an example of a character in the story thinking fatalistically.

2. Why don't we learn what the narrator does for a living?

3. Choose a character and explain why he or she is sympathetic.

4. What do you think the narrator intends to say to his girlfriend besides "It's me" when he calls?

5. Why does the narrator want to ask Tiny more about his seizure?

6. Describe the character Tiny.

7. What does Roxy's name suggest?

8. Why is the narrator so enthralled by J.P.'s stories?

9. Give an example of hopelessness in the story.

10. What is the significance of New Year's Eve in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature imagery is prevalent in "Where I'm Calling From," as seen in frequent physical descriptions of place and climate and in the recurring theme of Jack London and his writing. Why did the author choose to emphasize nature? Could the story have been set in a city and pursued the same themes?

Essay Topic 2

Why is the character Frank Martin included in the story? Could the story have been told without him, or is he central to the themes?

Essay Topic 3

There is no mention of any of the characters in the story having friends outside the facility. What role does community play in the recovery from addiction? Give examples of how the story threads community and friendship into its themes.

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