View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Tom Benecke thinks to himself that his innovative idea is perfect for unveiling in what season?
(a) Spring.
(b) Summer.
(c) Autumn.
(d) Winter.

2. What street does Tom Benecke see "stretched out for miles ahead" (28) when he finally looks down?
(a) Jefferson Avenue.
(b) Remington Avenue.
(c) Lexington Avenue.
(d) Knickerbocker Avenue.

3. What are the final words Tom Benecke says to Clare Benecke before she leaves the apartment?
(a) Have a good time.
(b) Be back before midnight.
(c) I love you.
(d) Please be careful.

4. What article of clothing does Tom Benecke don just before he ventures out onto the ledge?
(a) Gloves.
(b) A jacket.
(c) A hat.
(d) A scarf.

5. How many Saturday afternoons had Tom Benecke spent collecting the data on the escaped piece of paper?
(a) 5.
(b) 3.
(c) 4.
(d) 6.

Short Answer Questions

1. What object slides "over the window ledge" and "out of sight" (15) as Tom Benecke watches?

2. What does Tom Benecke feel on his face when he ducks his head under the window and looks outside?

3. What is the nature of Tom Benecke's innovative idea concerning the grocery business?

4. "The air from the building hallway" (10) smells of what?

5. What is NOT something Tom Benecke relates to the reader about his "own project" (10)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the yellow sheet of paper symbolize?

2. To what aspect of his life does Tom Benecke link his "guilty conscience" (1) at the start of the story?

3. Discuss the use of the sound motif within the first section of the story.

4. Tom Benecke realizes at the beginning of the story that the feeling he is experiencing is not heat. What is it instead?

5. What event occurs that causes Tom Benecke to bang his head against the building wall, nearly leading to his death?

6. What evidence points toward the fact that Clare Benecke often goes out by herself because Tom Benecke has to work?

7. How does Tom Benecke feel about the idea of abandoning the yellow sheet of paper at the beginning of the story?

8. What kinds of implements does Tom Benecke consider in his quest to reach the yellow sheet of paper from his window?

9. Why and how does Finney portray forward momentum as a negative force within business?

10. Describe the character of Tom Benecke.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,157 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample