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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are the two couples different from other people in a relationship?
(a) They are older than the average couple in love.
(b) They have a better understanding of love.
(c) They have a weaker understanding of love.
(d) They are no different.

2. Which of the following is an example of situational irony?
(a) Terri is Mel's wife, but used to be married to his brother.
(b) Mel says he does not know anything about love, and the reader finds this to be true.
(c) The story is about finding the meaning of love, yet it ends with no clear meaning at all.
(d) Laura and Nick are not really in love.

3. What sort of love does Mel have trouble understanding?
(a) Pure and fulfilling.
(b) Harsh and fierce.
(c) Soft and gentle.
(d) Unrequited.

4. According to the author, what is the ultimate conclusion about the meaning of love?
(a) It remains elusive.
(b) It does not exist.
(c) It is fully understood by all characters.
(d) It can only be felt by the elderly.

5. To whom does Mel become abusive?
(a) Nick.
(b) Himself.
(c) Laura.
(d) Terri.

6. Which of the following is the resolution following the climax?
(a) The compromise between Nick and Mel.
(b) The sun rising.
(c) The acceptance of Laura by Terri and Nick.
(d) The characters meditating on the meaning of love.

7. What purpose does foil serve in this story?
(a) To underscore the story about the old couple.
(b) To provide a satirical outlet.
(c) To emphasize characters' dramatically different views of love.
(d) To display the humorous side of the story.

8. Which of the following describes Laura's attitude toward Mel as the evening progresses?
(a) Sympathetic.
(b) Hostile.
(c) Infatuated.
(d) Disgusted.

9. What seems to help Mel and the other characters loosen up?
(a) Alcohol.
(b) Music.
(c) Chocolate.
(d) Eating.

10. What aspects of the heart does Mel understand?
(a) The physical properties.
(b) The connotation.
(c) The concept of healing one broken by unrequited love.
(d) The emotional nuances.

11. What can describe Mel's behavior as the conversation progresses?
(a) Repressed.
(b) Animated.
(c) Loving.
(d) Withdrawn.

12. Which of the characters seems to realize first that Mel's desire to experience real love is not yet fulfilled?
(a) Terri.
(b) Laura.
(c) Ed.
(d) Nick.

13. Which of the following is a symbol in this story?
(a) Alcohol.
(b) The heart.
(c) Music.
(d) Death.

14. What does Mel attempt to do to the topic of love?
(a) Avoid it.
(b) Make it humorous.
(c) Talk badly about it.
(d) Dissect it.

15. Why does Mel begin telling his story?
(a) He is intoxicated and doesn't know what he is doing.
(b) Others ask him if he has any stories to tell.
(c) He is bored.
(d) To explain the meaning of real love.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the author characterize Nick?

2. What can be said to be a motif in Carver's story?

3. Why does Mel's behavior worsen throughout the story?

4. What term best describes Mel's nature?

5. With whom does Mel appear to be in conflict over the concept of love more than any other character?

(see the answer keys)

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