View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Analysis.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why might point of view play a role in how Mel's relationship is perceived by the reader?
(a) The story is told from Mel's point of view, so the reader only understands his relationship.
(b) Point of view does not play a significant role in the story.
(c) The narrator may feel negatively toward Mel's relationship, thereby influencing the reader's opinion.
(d) The narrator is neutral toward Mel's relationship, allowing for free interpretation by the reader.

2. How is the depression revealed?
(a) Mel discovers it in a dream.
(b) The old man tells someone.
(c) Hospital staff find a letter.
(d) Mel makes a guess.

3. Who says they know what love really is and has an example to share?
(a) Marjorie.
(b) Ed.
(c) Nick.
(d) Mel.

4. What is the cause of the old man's depression?
(a) He loses his job.
(b) He is unable to see his wife.
(c) He is thinking about living the rest of his life as an invalid.
(d) He can no longer take part in extramarital affairs.

5. What does Mel's wife hope will happen to his ex-wife?
(a) She will fall in love with Mel all over again.
(b) She will remarry or die.
(c) She will move to another country.
(d) She will pay him back alimony and child support.

Short Answer Questions

1. Through which of the following methods does Carver communicate most of the significant aspects of his story?

2. Who can be said to be Mel's foil in this story?

3. Which of the following is the resolution to the story of the old couple?

4. How does the author characterize Nick?

5. Which of the following is used as a symbol of lack of inhibition in the story?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 314 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample