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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the narrator, how did it used to pay very well to stage such performances?
(a) Under one's own management.
(b) In the theater.
(c) In the town square.
(d) In the circus.

2. For whom is the hunger artist often just a joke that happens to be in fashion?
(a) The elders.
(b) The women.
(c) The priests.
(d) The children.

3. What does the artist tell stories of with his watchers?
(a) His hunger.
(b) His craft.
(c) His nomadic life.
(d) His joy.

4. Who pays for the breakfast brought to the watchers?
(a) The artist.
(b) The musicians.
(c) The mayor.
(d) The impresario.

5. The ladies who help the artist down are apparently so friendly and in reality are so what?
(a) Afraid.
(b) Derisive.
(c) Evil.
(d) Cruel.

6. For whom is seeing the hunger artist a special treat?
(a) Animals.
(b) Children.
(c) The elderly.
(d) Women.

7. How are the results of the fast announced?
(a) By television.
(b) By microphone.
(c) By radio.
(d) By megaphone.

8. Who could watch the hunger artist continuously, day and night?
(a) The reporter.
(b) The cameras.
(c) No one.
(d) The impresario.

9. "There were people who argued that this breakfast was an unfair attempt" to do what?
(a) Humiliate the watchers.
(b) Bribe the watchers.
(c) Poison the watchers.
(d) Prove his humility.

10. What would the lax watchers do in a huddled corner?
(a) Eat.
(b) Play cards.
(c) Play dice.
(d) Drink.

11. What does the hunger artist alone know?
(a) How lonely he is.
(b) How difficult it is to fast.
(c) How proud he's become.
(d) How easy it is to fast.

12. What is a necessary accompaniment to the profession of fasting?
(a) Anger.
(b) Hunger.
(c) Rudeness.
(d) Suspicion.

13. When the watchers are invited to take on a night's vigil without a breakfast, what do they do?
(a) Insist on money.
(b) Make themselves scarce.
(c) Lie about the artist.
(d) Get angry.

14. With what does the artist answer questions?
(a) A joyful reverence.
(b) A great smile.
(c) A constrained smile.
(d) A laugh.

15. Who sets the limit on the artist's fasts?
(a) The artist.
(b) The maestro.
(c) The artist's father.
(d) The impresario.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the point of view of "A Hunger Artist"?

2. Where does the hunger artist perform?

3. What does the artist hold outside the bars from time to time?

4. What does the artist stubbornly refuse to do at the last moment of his fast?

5. Who lends the watchers the bright light to focus on the artist?

(see the answer keys)

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