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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 Lust narrator's first lover?

2. Describe the relationship between Tim and Owen.

3. What does Tim say he was about to do?

4. Which of the following are names of two party guests in Sparks?

5. When the narrator of lust lives with a group of friends over the summer, who is her lover?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the concluding scene in Lunch with Harry.

2. What is the relevance of the title Sparks?

3. How does Ellen feel the morning after the party?

4. Describe the behavior Nicholas exhibits the morning after the party.

5. Why is Lil an unreliable narrator?

6. Describe Bill and the narrator's relationship in Blow.

7. What comments does Tim make that make Owen feel uncomfortable?

8. Describe Lil's interactions at the party she attends.

9. Describe the tone of the story The Break-up.

10. Describe the structure of The Break-up.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Minot create characters that appear to be everyday people? What characteristics do Minot's characters possess that make them believable? Why is this important?

Essay Topic 2

Why does the author write about unlikable characters? What makes the characters particularly unlikable? Analyze at least three different characters and determine why they are unlikable.

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use minimalism in these stories? Why do you think Susan Minot writes from a minimalist perspective? Use specific examples from the stories.

(see the answer keys)

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