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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. Who is very ill in the story, Just Before the War with the Eskimos?

2. Who is the only person that can truly make Eloise laugh?

3. Where does the main character of the story, The Laughing Man, get lost?

4. What branch of the armed forces is Seymour in?

5. Who is getting married soon in the story, Just Before the War with the Eskimos?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the setting appropriate for the story, Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut?

2. What do Walt and Jimmy Jimmereeno have in common in the story Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut?

3. Why can the reader sympathize with Eloise more than envy her?

4. Why are Mary Jane and Eloise good friends for each other?

5. How does the reader know the setting takes place shortly after the end of World War II?

6. What happens with Seymour and the trees?

7. Who is the Chief?

8. What makes the reader think that perhaps Eric is not allowed into the military because he is homosexual?

9. What does the floating red tissue represent in The Laughing Man?

10. What is wrong physically with Ramona?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dialogue is used heavily throughout the book. Cite examples of the use of dialogue that are especially memorable. Why is dialogue so important to this short story collection? How does it help the reader? What does dialogue keep from the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Why does the narrator in De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period feel the need to lie about so many details in the letter of application for the art teaching position? Explore the reasons why he continues the lies upon arrival as well.

Essay Topic 3

Why is Nine Stories an important collection of short stories? What does it contribute to American literary history?

(see the answer keys)

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