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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "Afterward".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Mary thinks back on the October visit from the mysterious man, she thinks that it "had no mark of the portentous" (86). What does this mean she felt about the visit at the time that it happened?
(a) It did not seem to have any significant meaning for the future.
(b) It was clearly unlucky.
(c) It was an obvious breach of etiquette.
(d) It did not seem as confusing at the time as it would later become.

2. To what do Mary and Ned attribute the great beauty they see in England?
(a) New places always seem attractive at first.
(b) Its history.
(c) Its small size.
(d) Their own hatred for the American Midwest.

3. Who is the author of "Afterward"?
(a) Henry James.
(b) Shirley Jackson.
(c) Edith Wharton.
(d) O. Henry.

4. What causes Mary to finally be certain that the ghost was Bob Elwell?
(a) Her visitor recognizes him from her description.
(b) She sees a picture of Elwell.
(c) She reads a letter that Elwell wrote.
(d) Her visitor sees the ghost and knows that it is Elwell.

5. When Mary finally catches up with Ned on that October day, what is he doing?
(a) Looking through his papers in the library.
(b) Pacing in front of the library fireplace.
(c) Staring out the front door.
(d) Searching the lower floor for the intruder.

Short Answer Questions

1. On that evening in the library in section "II," what does Mary see has happened when she looks up from preparing the tea?

2. What does Ned's motive seem to be when he first brings up the subject of whether the house has a ghost?

3. On page 95, Mary mentions the "fun of the frisson." What is a frisson?

4. In the opening of the story, what is Mary waiting for?

5. Why does Mary ask the mysterious young man whether he has an appointment with Ned?

(see the answer key)

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