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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. In his letter, Rolph uses the word "verboten" (23). What does this word mean?
(a) Impulsive.
(b) Forbidden.
(c) Unwise.
(d) Aggressive.

2. Why did Rolph never tell Edgar what he knew about the Egress Spout?
(a) He did not think that Edgar would believe him.
(b) He did not want to upset Edgar with the knowledge.
(c) He was afraid that knowing might get Edgar killed.
(d) He thought that Edgar would inform on him.

3. What unintentionally ironic comment does Edgar make about his father on page 22?
(a) “We truly don’t know what got into him there at the end."
(b) "He was always so sane."
(c) "Rolph was a good man."
(d) "He really got a kick out of fake- menacing you from above."

4. What is revealed to the reader at the end of the story?
(a) The story itself is part of Brian's plan to expose the truth about his community.
(b) Brian has been dead for many years, and the story he wrote is used to train new Monitors.
(c) Brian has been living on the surface the whole time in some strange psychological experiement.
(d) Brian is telling this story to the first Visitor to ever appear in the workhouse.

5. From Amy's letter, what does she believe about Brian's conversation with the Monitor supervisors?
(a) She believes that he informed on her.
(b) She believes that Brian was trying to get a job as a Monitor.
(c) She believes that they were about to turn Brian in.
(d) She believes that Brian was working with Shirley from the beginning.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Brian is considering the implications of Rolph's letter, where does he suddenly realize he is standing?

2. What is Edgar Spengler holding when he approaches Brian?

3. Where does Amy run to when she sees what is happening to Brian?

4. What does Rolph compare the people living underground to?

5. What city does Brian believe his community lives underneath?

Short Essay Questions

1. What important information does Brian learn from Rolph's letter?

2. What is the Slough?

3. Why do the people in Brian's community find it essential to believe that Visitors will arrive any day?

4. What puzzles Brian about the air, water, electricity, and food that they use in the underground community?

5. After finding out what Brian knows, what choice do the Monitors give him, and what decision does he make?

6. What does Mr. Regis say during the funeral for the workers who have been killed?

7. Describe how the bodies of dead workers are disposed of.

8. What does Rolph suggest are some possible reasons for their community being put underground?

9. Who is Edgar Spengler, and what items does he give Brian?

10. When Brian realizes that there are no Visitors coming, what people does he think about, and what does he realize about them?

(see the answer keys)

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