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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many minutes before the train arrives in Yellow Sky are the men talking in the bar?
(a) One hour.
(b) Twenty.
(c) Thirty.
(d) Twenty-one.

2. What is the bride's concern as she looks around the train car?
(a) The danger.
(b) The reflective mirrors.
(c) Money.
(d) Tripping over her dress.

3. How much will the meal cost the couple on the train?
(a) A dollar.
(b) Ten cents.
(c) Five dollars.
(d) Twenty-five dollars.

4. What does a man in the bar tell the drummer about what is about to happen?
(a) "Someone will die."
(b) "Scratchy will pass out on the porch of the bar."
(c) "There is going to be some shooting."
(d) "Jack will arrive and shoot Scratchy."

5. What are the people of Yellow Sky unaware of regarding Jack's life?
(a) That he is married.
(b) That he is quiting his job.
(c) That he is older than they think.
(d) That his dad was a cattle rustler.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the bartender do when he hears about Scratchy?

2. When put in a safe place, what is the drummer sitting on?

3. What is the man doing who sits in the tilted chair at the end of the railway station?

4. What is the name of the train?

5. What do the objects across the street from the bar resemble?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author telling us by the use of the word "ain't" by the bride?

2. Explain the significance of the Mexicans in the bar.

3. What did Jack once do to Scratchy? Why is this important to the story? Do these men really feel that they cannot handle the situation without Jack, or do they just not want to?

4. Jack shows his new bride the train with the pride of an owner. He lavishes expensive (for them) meals upon her. What does this tell us about their relationship and their future marriage?

5. What do the fittings on the train symbolize for the couple?

6. At the opening of Chapter 2, describe the scene in the Weary Gentleman. What is the feeling? Is the town relaxed and pleasant? Why? Why not? What tensions do you feel at this point in the story?

7. Describe the town. Detail the colors and textures as experienced by a visitor. Why do you think the story is set in this town?

8. The author describes the grassy plots across the street from the bar as looking like grass on a stage. What does this tell the reader about the times and entertainment?

9. When seated behind the bar, the barkeeper seems quite comfortable with this situation. Why?

10. Why do all the men in the bar want to see Jack? What can he do that they can't? It appears nobody is really going to fight? Is there a real danger here?

(see the answer keys)

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