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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Anders sarcastically compares the complaint of the woman in front of him to what social issue?

2. After leaving her position, the bank teller begins to speak to another bank employee who is taking what action?

3. Once there is a sign within the bank teller's window, she walks to what location?

4. Against what part of Anders's body does the man with the pistol press his gun?

5. When one of the women in front of Anders speaks to him, she is said to be "confident of his" (2) what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the first question the man with the pistol asks Anders and what is Anders's reply?

2. In what way is Anders shown to be hypocritical within the opening scene of the story?

3. Contrast Anders's reaction to the bank robbery with the reaction of the woman in front of Anders in line.

4. For what purpose does the man with the sawed-off shotgun put down his weapon at one point?

5. What is the first command the man with the pistol gives to Anders and how does Anders respond?

6. Discuss a moment in the story that reveals who is in charge of the bank robbery.

7. Anders refers to the conflict at the center of the story as what object? Why?

8. What sort of narration does the story "Bullet in the Brain" employ?

9. What does the man with the sawed-off shotgun do with his weapon when he needs both hands to complete a different task?

10. What two-word name does the man with the pistol call Anders?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Wolff’s focus on the theme of class differences and social status within the story. What message is Wolff sending about class, privilege, and prescriptive versus descriptive grammar?

Essay Topic 2

What is Wolff’s message concerning the link between awe and vibrancy?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the various characterization methods Wolff uses to create characters such as Anders, the man with the pistol, and even Anders’s estranged daughter. How does Wolff’s use of characterization support themes and messages contained within the story?

(see the answer keys)

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