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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 "While It Lasts," what does Isabel ask Bonnie about George's job?
2. In "Boston Common at Twilight," what causes Ned to believe that the big man on the subway will not be willing to help him?
3. In "Café Mort," what occupies the attention of the "beige woman"?
4. In "Café Mort," which waitress has been at the café the longest?
5. On page 66 of "Why I Don't Write," what is the subject of the only article the narrator reads all the way through?
Short Essay Questions
1. In "Boston Common at Twilight," what alternative place to stay is available to Ned, and why does he prefer to stay with his aunt?
2. In "Why I Don't Write," what is the page 69 phrase "The thumping far below the floor" an allusion to, and what is its thematic significance?
3. In "Café Mort," why would some of the waitresses be "proud" of their jobs (89)?
4. In "While It Lasts," what subject does Isabel keep making bitter jokes about, and why does she do this?
5. In "Café Mort," why does the narrator say that the stream of advice coming from the patrons is "either instructive or ironic, depending on your perspective" (93)?
6. In "Café Mort," what does the narrator need to rid herself of before she can leave the café?
7. In "Boston Common at Twilight," why does Ned end up taking an earlier train than usual, and how does this matter to the story's plot?
8. In "While It Lasts," what does Isabel want from Bonnie, and why?
9. In "Boston Common at Twilight," why does Ned not try to get away or yell for help?
10. In "While It Lasts," what is Isabel's main complaint about Richard, and what does she think is the cause of the problem?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Minot uses fragmentation in both "Listen" and "Why I Don't Write." Write an essay that makes and defends a claim about the significance of this technique in these two stories. You might choose to write about similarities, differences, or some combination of the two, as long as your essay clearly makes an argument about both pieces and how fragmentation supports meaning in both.
Essay Topic 2
Write an essay that makes and defends a claim about the theme of "While It Lasts." Use textual evidence to defend your ideas.
Essay Topic 3
Write an essay in which you consider the symbolic significance of the title "Occupied." Discuss both the characteristics of this movement as revealed in the story and the relationship of that movement to Ivy's life and psychology. Use evidence from the text to support your claims.
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This section contains 1,024 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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