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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 does Jack say he'd have done if he'd known that Scratchy would be there waiting for him?
(a) He woulde have returned home more carefully.
(b) He would have brought his guns.
(c) He would have taken the next train.
(d) He would have stopped for a drink.

2. What is the barkeeper's dog doing when Scratchy approaches?
(a) Dozing by the front door of the saloon.
(b) Growling and barking at Scratchy.
(c) Chasing a cat.
(d) Chasing a rabbit.

3. How does Scratchy think he will get jack Potter to come out for a fight?
(a) By using his house as target practice.
(b) By shooting into the sky.
(c) By forcing the front door open.
(d) By bombarding his house.

4. What does Jack think of when he is faced with the barrel of Scratchy's gun?
(a) His home.
(b) The beauty of the train.
(c) His wife.
(d) His wedding.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the author describe Scratchy's reaction to Jack's marriage?

2. When does the dog break into a gallop?

3. How does the author describe the town through Scratchy's mind?

4. Why is Scratchy's face red?

5. How does the author describe the fact that Jack has trouble speaking when he sees Scratchy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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 Apache scalp music? Why does Scratchy walk to Jack's house humming this music?

5. What does the stillness and silence of the city signify? Why does the author state that the silence was like the "arch of a tomb" over Scratchy's head?

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. When the bride and groom round the corner and meet Scratchy, what is Jack about to do? How would this scene have been different if Scratchy hadn't been there?

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

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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