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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who does Reta mention by name in her letter of complaint about "Great Minds of the Western Intellectual World"?
(a) Norah.
(b) Natalie.
(c) Tom.
(d) Christine.

2. Where is the apartment Norah shares with her boyfriend located in the building in Toronto?
(a) The first floor.
(b) The top floor.
(c) The fourth floor.
(d) The basement.

3. What praise does Reta give Alexander Valkner about his article "The History of Dictionaries"?
(a) Reta praises his intellectual rigor.
(b) Reta praises his personal narrative style.
(c) Reta praises his broad approach.
(d) Reta praises his research method.

4. What present does Reta get for Norah's seventeenth birthday while on a book tour in D.C.?
(a) A purse.
(b) A necklace.
(c) A sweater.
(d) A scarf.

5. Why does Reta write a letter of complaint to an editor of a literary magazine about a series of books called "Great Minds of the Western Intellectual World"?
(a) Because the books only focus on Western intellectuals.
(b) Because none of the books feature women writers.
(c) Because her books are left out of the list.
(d) Because most of the books feature 19th century women.

6. How are Reta and Danielle different?
(a) Reta is young and successful; Danielle is old and poor.
(b) Reta is a novelist; Danielle is a biographer.
(c) Reta is Canadian; Danielle is American.
(d) Reta is married with children; Danielle is single and childless.

7. What is undrinkable according to Colin?
(a) Red wine.
(b) Reta's coffee.
(c) Green tea.
(d) Tom's lemonade.

8. Who is playing the piano when Reta and Tom have finished their work after their package is delivered?
(a) Lois.
(b) Norah.
(c) Christine.
(d) Natalie.

9. What are the two main characters' names in the sequel to Reta's first novel?
(a) Alice and Robert.
(b) Alicia and Roman.
(c) Andrea and Ramon.
(d) Amy and Richard.

10. What rationale does Reta offer about Norah's strange behavior in her letter to Valkner?
(a) It is Norah's excuse not to finish school and get her degree.
(b) It is Norah's attempt to be special and above everyone else.
(c) It is Norah's way of getting back at Reta for not being there for her.
(d) It is Norah's deliberate effort to extiguish herself and be a nothing.

11. What is Reta's struggle about what a writer of fiction should give the reader?
(a) How much her characters should be like her readers.
(b) How much background information should be given.
(c) How many metaphors and similes should be used.
(d) How many points of view should be given.

12. According to Reta, what does she find "monstrous" in the face of Norah's absence?
(a) Idiosyncrasies.
(b) Oddities.
(c) Abnormalities.
(d) Normalcy.

13. Why does Reta cry as she writes the check for the hostel each month?
(a) Reta cries out of heartfelt appreciation.
(b) Reta cries out of heartbreak.
(c) Reta cries out of grief.
(d) Reta cries out of pity.

14. What draft does Arthur ask Reta to send him?
(a) The first draft of her next novel.
(b) The final draft of her new novel.
(c) The final draft of her next novel.
(d) The first draft of her new novel.

15. According to Reta, what is the most important aspect in her life?
(a) Her children.
(b) Her husband.
(c) Her home.
(d) Her writing career.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the book Reta picks up at Orangetown Library?

2. Why does Reta become angry at the male author being interviewed on the literary television show?

3. Whose personality is Reta worried about developing in her novel?

4. What does Norah accidentally find in the pocket of Christine's winter parka?

5. Why does Reta also chide Valkner about his article "The History of Dictionaries"?

(see the answer keys)

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