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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the third novel in Reta's trilogy?

2. Why has Danielle deleted her early life and reinvented herself?

3. What items are NOT in the package Christine and Natalie bring Norah after Christmas break?

4. Who has been appointed to a university Chair in Theology?

5. Who insists that Norah is reacting to her state of powerlessness in society during Norah's visit with her?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. What is Reta's impression of Arthur Springer when she finally meets him at her home in January and how do they get into a heated discussion?

4. Why is Lois's conversation with Arthur when she comes over to investigate about dinner significant?

5. Describe Reta and Lois's relationship.

6. In her letter about the death of Peter Harding, how does Reta compare herself to Norah?

7. Why does Reta call Dennis Ford-Halpern's omission of women in his book "The Goodness Gap" a "moral dilemma in itself"?

8. How does Arthur feel about Roman, the other main character in Reta's novel?

9. Why does Reta feel that Arthur's suggestion to focus on Roman instead of Alicia is an egregious one?

10. Why does Reta make an exception in sending her letter to Russell Sandor, a short story writer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss grief as a major theme of the novel, especially the expression of suffering, responding to the following questions:

1. How does Reta cope with her grief?

2. How are Norah's actions a manifestation of grief?

3. What is the relationship between memory and grief?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of language in "Unless"? Identify and discuss the following relationships and its significance for the characters:

1. Language and identity.

2. Language and truth.

3. Language and power.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of goodness in the novel as an idea and a catalyst for change, responding to the following questions:

1. What does the concept of goodness mean to Reta?

2. What does the concept of goodness mean to Norah?

3. What is the overall message of goodness as an idea in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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