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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 symbolizes the hopelessness the characters feel about finding real love?

2. Did Mel truly love his first wife?

3. What aspects of the heart does Mel understand?

4. In which part of the story does the narrator mention where the characters are from?

5. Which of the characters seems to realize first that Mel's desire to experience real love is not yet fulfilled?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characterization refers to the description the author gives of the character's appearance, actions, and thoughts. Discuss the characterization of at least one of the main characters in this story. What could Carver have included that would have enriched the reader's experience of that particular character?

Essay Topic 2

The title of a work is one of literature's most important aspects. Why is title thought to be so important to a work of literature? What did the author want to communicate to the reader through this particular title?

Essay Topic 3

The two couples in this story are presented as having very different types of relationships. Compare and contrast the dynamics of the two couples' relationships. How are the relationships the same? How are they different? Which couple would you have felt more comfortable around? Why?

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