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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. To what location does Anders direct his eyes after the man with the pistol first demands that Anders adjust his gaze?
(a) He closes his eyes.
(b) To the man's feet.
(c) To the ceiling.
(d) To the front door of the bank.

2. The first appearance of the bullet in what part of the brain "set[s] off" (35) a chain reaction?
(a) The thalamus.
(b) The cerebrum.
(c) The ganglia.
(d) The hypothalamus.

3. The barrel of the gun is said to have what effect on Anders's body?
(a) It causes him to freeze.
(b) It gives him goosebumps.
(c) It tickles him.
(d) It cripples him.

4. The narrator states that there is "gilt scrollwork" (26) over what feature of the bank?
(a) The tellers' cages.
(b) The entryway.
(c) The gate to the vault.
(d) The front door.

5. The origin of the memory that arises within Anders's conscious mind is described with the use of what adjective?
(a) Peculiar.
(b) Chaotic.
(c) Random.
(d) Unusual.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many "feet per second" (35) is the bullet said to be moving after it strikes a particular object?

2. What two adjectives are used to describe the smell Anders detects?

3. What term is used to refer to the bone parts damaged by the bullet entering Anders's head?

4. The memory that emerges within Anders's conscious mind takes place during what time of day?

5. What adjective is used to describe the figures painted on the ceiling of the bank?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about the mural artist's portrayal of the story of Zeus and Europa?

2. To what question does Anders answer, "No" in Paragraph 20 before he fights to maintain decorum?

3. What is the overall subject of the mural painted upon the bank's ceiling?

4. Describe the eyes of the man with the pistol.

5. What factors lead to the memory from "forty years past" (35) being called up rather than another memory?

6. What event causes Anders to imagine a cartoon bubble and what does it say?

7. What evidence is there to suggest that Anders does recognize positive aspects of even art he considers subpar?

8. Discuss an instance of irony within the story.

9. What is Anders's reply to the question he is asked the third time he is called "Bright boy" (27)?

10. Discuss an instance of irony within Anders's final moments.

(see the answer keys)

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