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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Liza is described by the author as having a tendency to "begin an activity" (62) by taking what action?
(a) Listing its pros and cons.
(b) Listing its dangers.
(c) Claiming that she would have no part in it.
(d) Enlisting others to help.

2. Alex and the unnamed narrator first met in college in a class about what topic?
(a) Geology.
(b) Music.
(c) Dance.
(d) Great novels.

3. The reader is reminded that the unnamed narrator had planned to use the name Josh in his novel to represent which of his real acquaintances?
(a) Dr. Andrews.
(b) Alex.
(c) David.
(d) Jon.

4. What action does the author take in his final comment to Liza during their walk, as he also tells Liza to "shut up" (64)?
(a) He frowns.
(b) He laughs.
(c) He shoves her.
(d) He sighs.

5. The unnamed narrator brings a book by which poet to the Mt. Sinai Hospital when he visits Bernard in Part One?
(a) Cummings.
(b) Stevens.
(c) Strand.
(d) Bronk.

Short Answer Questions

1. From what country did Roberto originally hail?

2. How old is the third-grader named Roberto?

3. Liz tells the author that he will "do the twilight-sedation thing because" (64) he is a what?

4. The unnamed narrator receives an email from Natali saying that her husband had hurt what part of his body in a fall?

5. The reader is reminded that the unnamed narrator chose to use the name Liza to represent Alex due to what reason?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lerner demonstrate the closeness that exists between the unnamed narrator and his best friend Alex?

2. Discuss an instance when Lerner uses a simile to provide a vivid image of the setting in "The Golden Vanity."

3. In what setting does the opening scene of "The Golden Vanity" take place?

4. How did Alex and the unnamed narrator first meet and when?

5. In what location does Alex ask the unnamed narrator to provide the sperm that will create her child and what is significant about her lack of eye contact in this moment?

6. What action by the author comprises the tender moment he experiences with Liza in a taxi in Part Two: The Golden Vanity?

7. For what reason is the author so conflicted about the choice "between twilight sedation and local anesthesia" (62)?

8. Who is Alena?

9. Who is Roberto and what are his concerns about the world?

10. Name and discuss one theme presented within 10:04's epigraph.

(see the answer keys)

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