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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following describes Laura's attitude toward Mel as the evening progresses?

2. Why is Mel's story interrupted in the middle?

3. Which of the following describes Terri's reaction to Mel's response to the story of the old couple?

4. Which of the following is a connotation of the word 'heart'?

5. Which of the following is a symbol in Carver's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Authors often use setting, including the time of day, to communicate an important message about the story. The setting can have a significant impact on the tone and mood of a story.

Part 1) Discuss the clues Carver gives readers as to the time of day as the story unfolds.

Part 2) Why does Carver choose this particular time of day as a setting for a story about love?

Part 3) Pick a time of day (or night) different from the actual one in the story and discuss how the story would have been different had it been set during this time.

Essay Topic 2

The tragic hero is a character who, despite being capable of greatness, is doomed to fail as a result of circumstances and a tragic flaw. Identify one character in this story who could be described as a tragic hero and support your claim. Does this character fit the typical view of a tragic hero? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Climax in a story is significant to the overall plot. Describe the climax in Carver's story. Did you predict the outcome of the story based on the climax? Why or why not?

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