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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "Some Women," "The Long Distance Runner," "Last Words" Part I.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say many publications gave as a reason for not publishing "When Did Music Come This Way"?
(a) Its lack of plot.
(b) Its poor structure.
(c) Its depressive nature.
(d) The flat characters.

2. What does Nancy say her husband never did even for the movies?
(a) Combed his hair.
(b) Wore makeup.
(c) Smiled.
(d) Wore new clothes.

3. In "Pretty Nancy," Didion describes Nancy has having a smile of someone who did what?
(a) Grew up in comfort.
(b) Said something funny.
(c) Grew up poor.
(d) Married a politician.

4. In "Why I Write," Didion says that the image that played into her story the most in Book of Common Prayer came from when she was at an airport in which country?
(a) Panama.
(b) Colombia.
(c) Portugal.
(d) Sweden.

5. Which Hemingway novel is quoted at the start of "Last Words"?
(a) A Farewell to Arms.
(b) The Sun Also Shines.
(c) A Moveable Feast.
(d) The Old Man and the Sea.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Walter Davis feel his perspective on war has changed in "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles"?

2. What does Skip keep in his pocket in "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles"?

3. In "Telling Stories," what publication finally accepted Didion's story "When Did Music Come This Way"?

4. In "Telling Stories," what Hemingway short story does Didion mention as an example of a writer's "absolute control" (54)?

5. What does the newsman want Nancy to do as she answers the first question he asks her in "Pretty Nancy"?

(see the answer key)

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