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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "Cloud, Castle, Lake".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Ivanovich do to distract himself from "the absurdity and horror of the situation" (6)?
(a) Tries to fall asleep.
(b) Plays solitaire.
(c) Looks out the window at the scenery.
(d) Reads his book.

2. In the description of the "mother-of-pearl claws on his dirty toes," what is the man with whom Ivanovich spends the night being compared to (12)?
(a) A statue.
(b) A hidden gem.
(c) A laborer.
(d) An animal.

3. Where is Ivanovich told he will need to get a "certificate of non-absence from the city for the summertime" (3)?
(a) From his physician.
(b) From his employer.
(c) From the police.
(d) From the Bureau of Pleasantrips.

4. What description does the narrator give of the train car on page 5?
(a) It "echoes like a tin box."
(b) It is "cattle-car bare."
(c) It is "unmistakably third-class."
(d) It "reeks of holiday revelry."

5. What does Ivanovich think "must be oriented toward something or someone" (4)?
(a) "Some wonderful, tremulous happiness."
(b) "Things seen in a dream."
(c) "The really good life."
(d) "Creatures still unknown to us."

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the narrator remember about the time of year in which the story takes place?

2. Which of the following best characterizes the narrator's attitude toward the absurd process that Ivanovich is told he must follow to sell back the tickets?

3. What technique is used in the story's title?

4. What does Ivanovich feel is happening as the first night of the tour wears on?

5. What is unusual about the four people who work together?

(see the answer key)

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