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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. When Edith is interrupted, on page 9, as she says that Mrs. Markey is making "a mountain out of--" what idea is she trying to convey?
(a) Mrs. Markey is just trying to make Edith look bad.
(b) Mrs. Markey is lying about Billy being hurt.
(c) Mrs. Markey is making a big deal over nothing.
(d) Mrs. Markey is enjoying the attention she is getting.

2. John enjoys hearing Ede's "non sequiturs" (3). What does this describe in his daughter's speech?
(a) Ideas that flow continuously without waiting for a response.
(b) Ideas that have no logical connection.
(c) Ideas that are more fantasy than reality.
(d) Ideas that are more emotional than rational.

3. What technique is used in the page 3 phrase "the weary merry-go-round of the commuting train"?
(a) Metaphor.
(b) Juxtaposition.
(c) Hyperbole.
(d) Personification.

4. What does Edith tell John she thought that he and Joe were going to do when she went back into the house?
(a) Shake hands and make peace.
(b) Fight each other.
(c) Go to the bar to get a drink together.
(d) Argue a little bit and then come inside.

5. At the end of the story, what does John tell Edith he expects her to do?
(a) Teach Ede better manners.
(b) Punish Ede for shoving Billy.
(c) Stop going over to the Markeys' house.
(d) Apologize to Mrs. Markey.

Short Answer Questions

1. After they leave the Markeys' house, why does John watch to make sure that Edith has reached their own walkway?

2. What terms does John use on page 4 as he wonders about Ede's party dress?

3. What word does Mrs. Markey use on page 9 that infuriates Edith?

4. What surprising thing does Joe say to John after the fight?

5. When John arrives at the Markeys' door, whom does he hear crying?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does John Andros enjoy about being a father?

2. How does Edith prepare Ede for the party, and why?

3. What reason does the narrator give for the children's good behavior?

4. How do John and Joe end up fighting?

5. What time does Edith Andros arrive at the baby party, and why?

6. What does John Andros see as the drawbacks to being a father?

7. What does Edith do each weekday afternoon, and why?

8. Before John arrives at the party, why is Edith irritated with him?

9. What does John hear when he approaches the Markeys' house, and what is his response?

10. What background information does the narrator give about John, and how does this background affect his mood when he is headed for the party?

(see the answer keys)

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