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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. When the drummer first hears the news of Scratchy, where does he stand?
(a) Against the wall.
(b) Against the window.
(c) Against the bar.
(d) Against the door.

2. Why does the dog keep lazy watch?
(a) He is afraid of other animals.
(b) He is a sheep herder at heart and always trying to herd.
(c) He is occasionally kicked if he is in the way.
(d) He is watching for Scratchy.

3. What do the men in the bar say as they hear Scratchy approaching?
(a) "Shhh."
(b) "Here he comes."
(c) "Everyone quiet!"
(d) "Where's Jack?"

4. What is the general demeanor of the couple?
(a) They are sloppy.
(b) They are loud.
(c) They are dirty.
(d) They are shy.

5. How does the couple feel about each other?
(a) They really don't like each other.
(b) They are in love.
(c) They are strangers.
(d) They are poilite to each other.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many Texans are in the bar?

2. Where is the barkeeper's dog?

3. Who is the only man on the train platform?

4. What is the area under the bar made of?

5. Why does the man on the platform not notice Jack and his wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Texas as viewed from the train.

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

3. The groom mentions the price of $1.00 for a meal and the bride is astonished at the high price, worrying that they may not be able to afford such an extravagance. What does this tell us about the bride and groom.

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

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

6. What is the drummer's reaction to Jack's job? Do you get the sense that this is unusual for the drummer? He is a traveling man, but is not prepared for this. What does this say about the town of Yellow Sky?

7. Explain the significance of the character of the drummer?

8. Jack sits with a hand on each knee like a man waiting for a barber to cut his hair. What does this tell us about Jack?

9. What does the drummer say to the man who comes to the door with the warning?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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