Margaret Atwood's "Happy Endings"

Define metafiction.

• Writing about mythological creatures.

• Writing about stereotyping.

• Writing about writing.

• Writing about feminism.

What is the basic premise of each happy ending?

• John and Mary meet.

• John and Mary cheat.

• John and Mary have a stimulating relationship.

• John and Mary are not meant to be together.

What is wrong with the plot with the stereotypical happy ending?

• John and Mary never have children.

• John and Mary never have conflict.

• John and Mary live.

• John and Mary die.

What is the author's primary purpose in "Happy Endings"?

• to explain the formula of storytelling.

• to argue the inherent stupidity of romantic storytelling.

• to illuminate female stereotypes.

• to criticize men.

What question does Atwood suggest is the most difficult for the storyteller to address?

• who?

• what?

• why?

• when?

What does Atwood say is the only "authentic" ending?

• They divorce.

• They cheat.

• They resent.

• They die.

What is the literary function of Atwood's description of the couple's lives as "stimulating and challenging"?

• Paradox

• Irony

• Understatement

• Hyperbole

Why does Mary commit suicide in "Happy Ending" B?

• She has given up on love.

• She is pregnant and unmarried.

• John cheated on her.

• She wants John's attention.

What female stereotype does not exist in this text?

• seductress

• maiden/virgin

• mother

• damsel in distress

How would you describe Atwood's tone toward "happy endings"?

• optimistic

• skeptical

• admiring

• indifferent