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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. Why does Nick have a hard time sleeping in "Now I Lay Me"?
(a) Because he drinks too much.
(b) Because he misses his wife.
(c) Because he is sick.
(d) Because he was in the war and worries a lot.

2. Where did the main character in "Banal Story" read that 21 feet of snow had fallen?
(a) Rome.
(b) The Alps.
(c) New York City.
(d) Mesopotamia.

3. What does the peasant hang from his dead wife's mouth in "An Alpine Idyll"?
(a) A pair of boots.
(b) A rope.
(c) A lantern.
(d) A candle.

4. What group of people were relieved that Manuel was dead in "Banal Story"?
(a) His family.
(b) Women.
(c) Bullfighters.
(d) Nurses.

5. In "Ten Indians," who won the ball game they had gone to see?
(a) Volosky.
(b) The Giants.
(c) Miramand.
(d) Petrosky.

Short Answer Questions

1. What time do the three soldiers arrive at the drinking place in "Today Is Friday"?

2. In "Now I Lay Me," why would Nick run out of worms when he went fishing?

3. In the story “A Pursuit Race,” what has William Campbell been in a pursuit race with?

4. What does idyll mean in reference to "An Alpine Idyll"?

5. In the story "Today Is Friday," which of the soldiers wants to leave and return to the barracks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Nick think about trout streams and say prayers at night in "Now I Lay Me"?

2. What is the mean stereotype that Carl says to Nick about his Indian girlfriend in "Ten Indians"?

3. What is the author’s attitude toward war?

4. Why are some of the bullfighters relieved when Manuel dies in "Banal Story"?

5. What advice does William offer Mr. Turner in "A Pursuit Race"?

6. In "Banal Story," from what does Manuel Garcia eventually die?

7. What does Nick begin thinking about after John gives him advice in "Now I Lay Me"?

8. How does the author describe a pursuit race?

9. Why is Mr. Turner so concerned about William in "A Pursuit Race"?

10. What is the publication that the narrator of “Banal Story” is reading while Manuel lays dying and what types of articles are in the publication?

(see the answer keys)

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