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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 Ned begins to read the newspaper in the library in section "II," he tries to sound casual as he asks Mary a question. What is the question?
(a) He asks if the mysterious stranger has come back to the house at any point.
(b) He asks if she ever wonders exactly how he made the money they used to buy the house.
(c) He asks if Mary remembers seeing the ghost in October.
(d) He asks if she knows how long "afterward" it is when people realize they have seen the ghost.

2. What does Mary conclude she needs to do in order to see the ghost?
(a) Find out whose ghost it is supposed to be.
(b) Stop actively looking for it.
(c) Make a habit of speaking out loud to the ghost.
(d) Get to know the house better.

3. Why does Mary believe that people should not talk about seeing ghosts?
(a) It is bad manners.
(b) It frightens the ghosts away.
(c) It is dangerous.
(d) It makes people wonder about your sanity.

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

5. What does Mary suddenly remember finding one day in October?
(a) A hidden staircase.
(b) A letter addressed to a previous occupant of the house.
(c) A book on the house's history.
(d) A mysterious portrait.

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. When Mary and Ned see the man coming toward the hosue in October, what does Mary assume?

3. As Mary thinks back over the events of October, she sees a figure coming toward the house again. Who is it?

4. When the story opens, in which room of her house is Mary waiting?

5. On page 84, the narrator links isolated environments to "acuities of emotion." What are "acuities of emotion"?

(see the answer key)

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