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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Johnnie say he can't go on after he is injured the second time?

2. Who remains quiet and observing during the meal?

3. The patrons are _________________ and refuse to drink with the Swede.

4. Who tells the Swede that the Swede has won?

5. What is the bartender's demeanor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the response of the men when the Swede wants them to drink with him?

2. What words mark the climax of the story?

3. How can the supper at the hotel be described?

4. How is another card game decided after supper?

5. How does the fight actually end?

6. Explain how each of the characters responds in character to the accusation of cheating.

7. Describe the Swede's snide behavior as he leaves the hotel.

8. What is the irony of the gambler's character?

9. What is the significance of the debt between the Swede and Scully and the cash register at the end of the story?

10. How do the characters remain in their stereotypical roles during and after the fight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the Swede change over the course of the story? Why does the author make his character so volatile? Is there any significance to his ethnic and cultural background? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of men in the 1800s when the men in the play are living their adult lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century men do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of the Swede. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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