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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What hope does Bob express about Jimmy?
(a) That he has found a job that makes him both proud and happy.
(b) That he has not been as successful as Bob himself has been.
(c) That he has married and started a family.
(d) That he has also had success.

2. What is the clearest purpose of describing the plainclothes officer as "submerged in his overcoat" (621)?
(a) Amplifying conflict.
(b) Establishing atmosphere.
(c) Developing characterization.
(d) Providing foreshadowing.

3. What does the narrator mean by the description of the police officer's impressiveness as "habitual and not for show"?
(a) The police officer knows that people are watching him.
(b) The police officer is a humble and modest person.
(c) The police officer is stuck in a rut and always does things the same way.
(d) The police officer is not trying to show off.

4. What aspect of his success does Bob take particular pride in?
(a) Starting as an "underdog" and coming out on top.
(b) Competing against and outwitting clever people.
(c) Using his wealth to improve other people's lives.
(d) Succeeding in an industry where many others have failed.

5. What does Bob mean when he describes Jimmy as a "plodder" (620)?
(a) Jimmy is loyal but can also be stubborn.
(b) Jimmy is a kind person but not very bright.
(c) Jimmy is ethical but can also be judgmental.
(d) Jimmy is a steady person but not creative or quick.

6. What does Jimmy notice about Bob's pocket watch?
(a) It is made of solid gold.
(b) It has a suspicious dent in its case.
(c) It is covered with diamonds.
(d) It is not set to the correct time.

7. What effect does the officer tell Bob that time can have?
(a) It can give a man something new to be loyal to.
(b) It can change a good man into a bad man.
(c) It can gradually erase the feeling of friendship.
(d) It can make a person realize what is really important.

8. What causes Jimmy to comment that Bob seems to have become a success in the West?
(a) Bob's description of his business in Chicago.
(b) Bob's expensive clothing and grooming.
(c) Bob's comment about the size of the West and all of its opportunities.
(d) Bob's fancy watch and scarfpin.

9. According to Bob, why did Jimmy stay in New York?
(a) He was scared to move somewhere unknown.
(b) He had a very limited imagination.
(c) He loved New York too much to leave it.
(d) He did not want to leave his family behind.

10. When Bob describes Jimmy as the "staunchest" man in the world, what does this show that Bob believes about Jimmy?
(a) He is ethical.
(b) He is emotional.
(c) He is persistent.
(d) He is loyal.

11. What duty is the police officer performing in the opening of the story?
(a) Enforcing the city's curfew.
(b) Enforcing the city's noise ordinance.
(c) Checking doors to make sure they are locked.
(d) Searching for a wanted criminal.

12. On page 621, how does the reader learn that the first police officer was actually Jimmy?
(a) The plainclothes officer refers to him as "Patrolman Wells."
(b) The plainclothes officer reveals his true identity to Bob.
(c) Jimmy himself explains his identity.
(d) The narrator describes "the patrolman" waiting around the corner as his "oldest friend" is arrested.

13. What finally reveals the plainclothes officer's face?
(a) The headlights of an approaching police car.
(b) The flame from a match.
(c) A streetlight.
(d) The light from an open business.

14. What does the narrator say causes Bob to tell officer about his career in the West?
(a) His suspicions about the officer's identity.
(b) His ego.
(c) The officer asks him about it.
(d) He is trying to fill an awkward silence.

15. What causes Bob to realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy?
(a) His eye color.
(b) His teeth.
(c) His hair color.
(d) His nose.

Short Answer Questions

1. What causes the officer to suddenly slow down?

2. Why did Bob leave New York?

3. How long does Bob wait for Jimmy after he speaks with the police officer?

4. What is the purpose of mentioning that everyone who passes Bob has their coat collar turned up?

5. Which element of the physical description of the plainclothes officer functions as foreshadowing?

(see the answer keys)

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