View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What month does Reta finally meet Arthur Springer for the first time at her home?
(a) January.
(b) November.
(c) April.
(d) February.

2. What question about Norah does Lois Winters ask every night at dinner?
(a) Where's Norah?
(b) How is Norah?
(c) When is Norah coming home?
(d) Why is Norah gone?

3. What is the short story writer's name who Reta writes a letter to?
(a) Richard Smiley.
(b) Renee Simon.
(c) Robert Spiller.
(d) Russell Sandor.

4. What does Reta call the "worry word" of life?
(a) Unless.
(b) Maybe.
(c) Until.
(d) Because.

5. Arthur tells Reta the day after Christmas that he is filled with admiration for what?
(a) Norah's resolve.
(b) Reta's talent.
(c) Roman's faith.
(d) Alicia's goodness.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Reta alarmed by the sight of Norah's hands?

2. What does Tracy Halliday want a huge jar of marbles to represent for Norah?

3. In the story, who does Reta think the Czech professor must hate?

4. In Reta's letter to Ford-Halpern, what is "an endless series of obstacles, an alignment of locked doors"?

5. What is the exception Reta is going to make regarding the letter to the short story writer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Arthur Springer call one day after Christmas and what is Reta's response?

2. When Reta and Tom consult a psychiatrist about Norah, what does he tell them and how do they respond?

3. As Reta and Arthur have their heated discussion, what three things happen that interrupt them that provide comic relief to the serious conversation?

4. At the end of the novel, what do we learn about the reason for Norah's disappearance and subsequent homelessness?

5. What does Reta notice on Norah's wrists that cause Tom to forget his trilobites and research stress and trauma?

6. Describe Reta and Lois's relationship.

7. What issue does Reta take with Emily Helt's book review in the Chicago Tribune?

8. According to Gemma Walsh, Reta's friend who has been appointed Chair of Theology, the Christian faith is balance on the words "already" and "not yet." Why does Reta find this significant?

9. How does Emma, Reta's journalist friend, try to comfort her and how is it significant?

10. Why don't the Winters' want to discuss the fact that Norah probably gave her Christmas package away?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 803 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample