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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What contributes to the narrator's thoughts about the apple-tree table being supernatural?
(a) The table is old.
(b) The table is unusually beautiful.
(c) The table is Satanic-looking.
(d) The table is inscribed with signs and symbols.

2. What does the narrator decide to give the apple-tree table when he first discovers it?
(a) A place of honor.
(b) A happier book.
(c) A warm environment.
(d) Kind attention.

3. How does the narrator of "The Apple-Tree Table" feel as his wife and daughters become more frightened?
(a) He feels numb.
(b) He feels braver.
(c) He feels more frightened than they.
(d) He feels worse.

4. How does Captain Delano view the attitude of the black people on board?
(a) The black people seem to Captain Delano to be competent and well-trained.
(b) The black people seem to Captain Delano to be cringing and fearful.
(c) The black people seem to Captain Delano to be insubordinate.
(d) The black people seem to Captain Delano to be cheerful and content.

5. What disease does Captain Delano learn has swept off much of the crew and cargo of slaves?
(a) Malaria.
(b) Rickets.
(c) Cholera.
(d) Scurvy.

6. Why is the strange ship low on provisions?
(a) They have been under supplied.
(b) They have taken on additional passengers.
(c) They have been becalmed.
(d) They have been lost.

7. Who finally persuaded the narrator of "I and My Chimney" to knock a few feet off the chimney?
(a) His mortgage holder
(b) His daughters.
(c) His neighbor.
(d) His wife.

8. What emblem does John Gentian refuse to wear?
(a) Any Revolutionary War emblem.
(b) Any American flag.
(c) Any emblem of wealth.
(d) Any Civil War emblem.

9. What does the narrator's wife think of his apprehension about the apple-tree table?
(a) She thinks he is drunk.
(b) She thinks he is making it up.
(c) She thinks he is crazy.
(d) She thinks he is trying to frighten her.

10. Why had Jimmy Rose never married?
(a) He was too shy.
(b) He didn't like women.
(c) He loved all women equally.
(d) He ws unattractive.

11. Who is Atufal?
(a) Babo's best friend.
(b) A complaining woman among the slaves.
(c) A leader of the slaves.
(d) A chained slave.

12. How does Melville describe Captain Delano's personality?
(a) Mistrustful and suspicious.
(b) Pessimistic and unhappy.
(c) Trusting and benevolent.
(d) Autocratic and dictatorial.

13. Why is Captain Delano glad he was not astute enough to recognize the mutiny?
(a) He would have sacrificed his own crew.
(b) He would have been killed without helping Benito Cereno.
(c) He would not have known what to do.
(d) He would have lost faith in mankind.

14. What causes Captain Delano to suspect Benito Cereno is an impostor?
(a) His confusion.
(b) His ignorance of seamanship.
(c) His bad manners.
(d) His weakness in command.

15. Why does the narrator of "Jimmy Rose" refuse to change the wallpaper in his parlor?
(a) It reminds him or a rose garden.
(b) It reminds him of his childhood.
(c) It reminds him of Jimmy Rose.
(d) It reminds him of better days.

Short Answer Questions

1. What overcomes Captain Delano's criticism of Benito Cereno?

2. Why does the narrator of "I and My Chimney" identify with his chimney?

3. What god does the narrator in "The Lightning Rod Man" think the salesman resembles?

4. What mythical character does the narrator say would have failed at his task if the chimney had then been in existence?

5. Why is it hard to see the mill when coming upon it?

(see the answer keys)

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