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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. What is the beauty of the train a symbol for in Jack's mind?
(a) The purity of his job.
(b) The stillness of the town.
(c) His simple home.
(d) The newness of the marriage.

2. Who is Jack Potter in the mind of Scratchy?
(a) His father.
(b) His mentor.
(c) His ancient antagonist.
(d) His friend.

3. What was Jack's instinct when he is confronted by Scratchy?
(a) He pulls his wife to him.
(b) He doesn't move.
(c) He loosens his arm from his wife.
(d) He pushes his wife away.

4. What does Scratchy say when Jack tells him of his morning?
(a) "You're a coward."
(b) "I don't care. I'll shoot you anyways."
(c) "It's all off then."
(d) "Then go inside and get your guns."

5. How does the author describe Scratchy's reaction to Jack's marriage?
(a) Like a dog lost without his master.
(b) Like a man releaved.
(c) Like a lost soul looking for a home.
(d) Like a creature allowed a glimpse of another world.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Scratchy do when he sees Jack?

2. How do Jack and his wife walk through the town?

3. Who else would wear boots like Scratchy's ?

4. Why does Jack not have gun?

5. What does Jack think of when he is faced with the barrel of Scratchy's gun?

Short Essay Questions

1. The author alludes to fighting 200 Mexicans. What does this tell us about the history of Yellow Sky?

2. Does Jack Potter seem unafraid? Why? Does he know that Scratchy will not shoot him? Or does he feel he is ready if he is shot? Does Jack understand that Scratchy will have some ethics involved here?

3. Does Scratchy introduce himself to Jack's new wife? Why? Why not? How does he feel when he realizes that he is confronted with Jack's wife?

4. What is the dog a symbol of? What is the dog supposed to be in this story?

5. Why does Jack remind Scratchy that he didn't make the trouble?

6. Upon encountering Scratchy what does Jack do that gives the reader the idea that he's been in tough spots before? What does he do by instinct alone?

7. How does the author describe the gunman's anger? Describe the muscles in his neck. What are they doing? How does he look?

8. What is Apache scalp music? Why does Scratchy walk to Jack's house humming this music?

9. Scratchy shoots twice and misses. Once at the paper and once at the dog. Do you think he misses the dog of purpose? Is he just trying to scare the dog? What about the paper?

10. How does Scratchy react to the closed door of the Weary Gentleman? Is this a ritual? Has this happened before?

(see the answer keys)

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