View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Mary thinks back over the events of October, she sees a figure coming toward the house again. Who is it?
(a) The boiler repairman.
(b) Ned.
(c) The letter carrier, delivering their mail.
(d) The ghost.

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

3. After Mary thinks more about the house and its ghost, what does she begin to wonder?
(a) Whether she might actually already know the identity of the ghost.
(b) Whether Ned has seen the ghost and this is the cause of his strange mood.
(c) Whether it is possible that Alida lied to them about the ghost.
(d) Whether her household servants have ever seen the ghost.

4. In section "III," when Mary looks at the house from across the property, what does she feel about the house?
(a) That it is like a kindly older person that keeps secrets for the good of others.
(b) That it seems to be trying to communicate something urgent to her.
(c) That is is like an evil creature squatting in the landcape.
(d) That it seems to be laughing at her, somehow, almost mockingly.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When the story refers to "Boyne," who or what is being referred to?

2. Why is Mary unsure what Ned has or has not already told her about Beb Elwell?

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

4. In Mary's mind, what is the only possible source of information about what has happened to Ned?

5. For how many years did Ned and Mary live in the American Midwest while Ned worked as an engineer?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 396 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample