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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 stillness of the town.
(b) His simple home.
(c) The purity of his job.
(d) The newness of the marriage.

2. Where was the shirt made?
(a) New York.
(b) Dodge.
(c) Chicago.
(d) Kansas City.

3. What does Scratchy want at the Weary Gentleman?
(a) The dog.
(b) A drink.
(c) The drummer.
(d) The barkeeper.

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

5. How does Scratchy identify the bride?
(a) He asks if she is Jack's sister.
(b) He asks if she's staying in Yellow Sky.
(c) He asks if she is his cook.
(d) He asks if she is the "lady."

Short Answer Questions

1. As Scratchy walks away from the bar, what is he humming?

2. What kind of structures are built along main street?

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

4. At the end of Chapter 3 Scratchy is in the deepest rage over what?

5. Scratcy's yelling is met by what on Main Street?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Scratchy is described as a "wonder" with a gun, and, even drunk, seems to have amazing command of his weapons. What do you think Scratchy would shoot like sober? Does this tell the reader something about the kind of gun-fighter he used to be?

3. 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?

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

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

6. When Jack thinks back to the Pullman and all its beauty, what is this a symbol of?

7. What is the significance of the funnel-shaped tracks left by Scratchy's feet as he walks away from Jack and his wife?

8. Do you think the dog has been shot before? Why did he not move when he heard Scratchy coming up the street?

9. The author writes that Jack's house looks at Scratchy like a great stone god. What is the symbolism of this?

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

(see the answer keys)

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