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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 is the name of "The Nicest Kid in the Universe?"

2. At what time of day did the woman like to weed the garden?

3. Music from what famous musician is playing in the beginning of "The Sewers of Salt Lake?"

4. What is wrong with the birds?

5. Where was the snapshot taken?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the interview with "The Last Parakeet."

2. What happens to the babies in "The Parents?"

3. What happens when Louise finds Teddy on the floor in "Teddy's Canary?"

4. Who is "The Philosophical Cobbler?" What is his main concern and goal?

5. Discuss the odd behavior in the town described in "A Chronicler's Sin."

6. Vines: Discuss the man's main issue in "Vines" and what he says to his wife. How does the wife respond?

7. "Here" describes a neighborhood in which everyone is friendly but does not socialize. Describe the neighborhood.

8. What realization does the widow come to in regards to her missing husband?

9. In "Here's Another Ending," discuss the actions of the owners of the dog and how they try to trick a neighbor.

10. In "The Cage," a man is trapped with no way to get free under his own power. Explain what happens that what it might mean.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Corners" is a story about three sisters, Mildred, Marie, and Jessie. Marie dies. Examine the process each sister must go through to come to terms with Marie's death. Who is the eldest sister? How does each handle Marie's death? Explain how Jessie's behavior is colored by jealousy as much as grief. Also examine how Mildred tries to cheer Jessie. Discuss sibling rivalry.

Essay Topic 2

"Fingers" is a strange tale about a woman that must subdue her kitchen before every evening meal. Discuss the author's format and style as well as possible inspiration for the story. What about the kitchen and its utensils and appliances that cause the compulsion to destroy and/or hurt oneself? What other compulsions, if any, are present? What is the gory outcome of the story? How will it change the nightly kitchen ritual?

Essay Topic 3

A 70-year-old woman copes with living alone in "Widow." Examine the woman's grief and remorse due to the loss of her husband. Also examine the woman's new-found sense of freedom and how she copes with the emptiness of her house and lack of rules.

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