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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 put in a safe place, what is the drummer sitting on?
(a) Firewood.
(b) A box.
(c) Coal.
(d) A drum.

2. What does the man say who enters the bar?
(a) That Jack's new bride has arrived.
(b) That Jack is returning on the train.
(c) That Scratchy Wilson is drunk.
(d) That Scratchy just came in on the train.

3. How do the people of Yellow Sky feel about Jack?
(a) They think he drinks too much.
(b) He is not well-liked.
(c) He is well-liked.
(d) They adore him.

4. What do the elegance of the train fittings reflect?
(a) The porter's service.
(b) The town of Yellow Sky.
(c) San Antonio.
(d) The couple's marriage.

5. What do all the men in the bar do as Scratcy approaches?
(a) They get quiet.
(b) They start drinking.
(c) They play cards and act as if nothing is wrong.
(d) They begin arguing.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the general demeanor of the couple?

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

3. What time will the train arrive in Yellow Sky?

4. When the drummer first hears the news of Scratchy, where does he stand?

5. As the groom shows the bride the appointments of the train car, how is he acting?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Describe Texas as viewed from the train.

4. Why does the author say the bride has cooked before? What gives the reader the clue to her background?

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

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

7. How is the bride described in the story?

8. Why does the man in the bar ask for a drink from the barkeeper and then swallow it down? Does this action seem out-of-place? Overly dramatic? Why? Why not?

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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