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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. On page 28, the reader is told that the narrator of the main story is known for "scrupulous" accuracy. What kind of accuracy is this?
(a) Reckless and indifferent.
(b) Demanding and critical.
(c) Thorough and honest.
(d) Approximate and imperfect.

2. In the frame narrative, the reader is told that the main story's narrator gets his information from the wives of the "burghers" (28). Whose wives are these?
(a) The wives of prominent Dutch colonists.
(b) The wives of local indigenous leaders.
(c) The wives of country farmers.
(d) The wives of political officials.

3. From the description of Rip's attitude to his farm, on page 30, what can be deduced about Rip?
(a) His farm is envied by many of his neighbors.
(b) His attitude toward his own family is similar to his attitude toward the villagers.
(c) He is devoted to his home and family.
(d) He likes to make excuses instead of taking care of his responsibilities.

4. What is Diedrich Knickerbocker's profession?
(a) Writer of novels.
(b) Farmer.
(c) Historian.
(d) Governor.

5. On page 30, the reader learns that Rip is "obsequious" and his wife is a "termagant." What can accurately be said about their relationship?
(a) One is embarrassed by the other.
(b) They each have a skill that helps the other.
(c) They have violent arguments with each other.
(d) One bullies the other.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Derrick Van Brummel?

2. Which nation controls New York at the time when Rip and the village are introduced to the reader?

3. Where does Rip spend time with his friends?

4. What evidence does the frame narrator give that the main story's narrator is still well-liked?

5. After he can no longer spend time with his friends, where does Rip start going to spend time away from his home and farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Rip and his wife.

2. What do Rip and his friends do when they gather together outside the village inn, and how does this characterize Rip?

3. Describe the condition of Rip's children.

4. Describe the condition of Rip's home and farm.

5. How is the setting of the Catskills described?

6. Explain what the frame narrative says about the historian who recorded Rip's story--where does his work come from, and how reliable is it?

7. Describe how Rip's relationship with the dog contrasts with his wife's relationship with the dog.

8. Explain the relationship of Washington Irving, Diedrich Knickerbocker, and Geoffrey Crayon.

9. Describe the contents of the story's epigraph and tell how this relates to the frame narrative.

10. What relationship does Rip have with the village children, and how does it characterize him?

(see the answer keys)

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