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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. Which word describes Evelyn?

2. What is Albert's occupation?

3. How does Frank feel when the narrator tells him personal information about herself?

4. What season is it in Part 4 of The Knot?

5. What is the occupation of the man in The Man Who Would Not Go Away?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Albert react to the gardens?

2. Describe the point of view in A Thrilling Life.

3. Describe the way names are used in The Knot.

4. What epiphany does the woman in The Feather in the Toque have?

5. The title, Ole Siche, means "Dry Island." Why is this relevant to the story?

6. Describe one theme that is common throughout all the stories in the book.

7. Describe Albert.

8. How is the swan a symbol in The Swan in the Garden?

9. How is the title The Man Who Would Not Go Away relevant to the story?

10. Describe the relationship between the narrator and Frank in A Thrilling Life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe three symbols present in the book. Why are these symbols? What do they represent in the context of the story?

Essay Topic 2

What common themes are present in the collection of stories? What are the parallels in the stories, such as techniques in characterization and dialogue?

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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