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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through “Screengrabs,” “A Man with Strong Hands,” “A Character in a Wheelchair in a Vestibule.” .

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In “The American Exception,” Smith says that the poorer countries Trump condemned did not have the foresight to be what?
(a) Iceland.
(b) Sweden.
(c) Europe.
(d) America.

2. Though the “bubble” of privilege can be penetrated, what bubble does Smith say cannot be penetrated?
(a) Inadequate education.
(b) Suffering.
(c) Self-hate.
(d) Isolation.

3. Where is Smith at the beginning of “A Character in a Wheelchair in the Vestibule”?
(a) An ATM.
(b) A taxi.
(c) Her home.
(d) A diner.

4. What do Smith and Ben complain they have to do during the many public school days off?
(a) Hang out with their kids.
(b) Bring their kids to work.
(c) Read to their kids.
(d) Scramble for childcare.

5. In “Something to Do,” Smith says that without love life can seem what?
(a) Dark and depressing.
(b) Comical.
(c) Tragic.
(d) Empty and endless.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Smith liken Trump’s speech to after coming to her senses after the first part of his speech?

2. Which type of person does Smith say was overjoyed with the new free time at the start of the pandemic?

3. What “obsession” (6) does Smith liken to her resistance to nature as a youth, an obsessions she says many writers share?

4. What does Smith say is the truest, most obvious reason why people write or make art?

5. Smith says that despite America’s feelings of being untouchable, as the pandemic progressed, what did America appear to lead the world in?

(see the answer key)

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