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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 role does Joel need filled in the skit at the tea?

2. At what point during the tea does Joel decide to perform his skit?

3. Who says, "Everybody watches for everybody else's blunders, or tries to make sure they're with people that'll do them credit"?

4. What is Stella's job when she meets Joel?

5. How much money does Nat tell Joel he loses recently?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the letter Joel sends to Miles.

2. Why does Stella think Miles might be watching her and Joel?

3. What does Joel start to feel about Stella when he has a moment alone, after Stella receives a telegram from Miles?

4. What does Joel say to Stella about people in Hollywood?

5. According to Miles' analyst, what problem does Miles have?

6. Why does Joel spend the rest of his afternoon at the tea talking to people he does not know?

7. How does Nat attempt to make Joel feel better the day after the tea at the Calman house?

8. How does Miles die?

9. Why does Joel become overcome with bitterness at the end of the story?

10. How do Stella and Joel find out that Miles is dead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Joel's skit an important aspect of the story? What does the skit represent? What does the skit tell the reader about Joel? How does it drive the events of the story?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of insecurity in the story? How does insecurity drive the plot? Which characters are the most insecure? What is the story saying about insecurity?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the use of clothes in the story. Cite three instances where clothing is described and explain what you think each outfit symbolizes. Why does the author put so much detail into describing clothing?

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