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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. What is Tom's reaction to the idea of being a usurer?
(a) He is strongly opposed but finally agrees.
(b) He agrees but only because he misunderstands the devil's intentions.
(c) He is enthusiastic and willing to do even more than the devil asks.
(d) He is reluctant but understands that it is an important service to the community.

2. What tone does the narrator adopt when saying that Tom is a friend to his clients?
(a) Sarcastic.
(b) Nostalgic.
(c) Sorrowful.
(d) Condescending.

3. Who is William Kidd?
(a) A prominent citizen of Tom Walker's town.
(b) The governor of Massachusetts.
(c) A sailor accused of being a pirate.
(d) A neighbor of Tom Walker's.

4. What is Tom's first mistake on his last day?
(a) He tries to cheat a man who has also made a bargain with the devil.
(b) He forgets to lock his doors.
(c) He says that the devil can take him if he has made any money from his client.
(d) He does not begin the day with a prayer.

5. In the passage about Tom's activities in church, what aspect of his character is being stressed?
(a) Hypocrisy.
(b) Loneliness.
(c) Miserliness.
(d) Selfishness.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the narrator, why does Tom not immediately agree to the devil's bargain?

2. Why does the narrator say that only Tom Walker would have the nerve to stop at the Native stronghold in the sawmp?

3. What does Tom find in the mud of the swamp?

4. Why does Tom tell his wife about his meeting with the devil?

5. What do Tom's neighbors do about the constant fighting in the Walker house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is similar about Tom's fancy house and his religious behavior?

2. What things does the devil say he supervises on earth?

3. What does Tom do with his money and what does it show about his personality?

4. The devil lists several of his own nicknames for Tom; what pattern can be seen in these names, and what is its significance?

5. What does Tom believe is in the apron, and how does he feel when he sees it?

6. What natural event happens in the area in 1727, and what is its thematic significance?

7. How does Tom ultimately slip up and get captured by the devil?

8. Who is the guardian of William Kidd's treasure, and why?

9. Explain how Tom develops into a religious hypocrite.

10. What recent events lead to Tom's business being so successful?

(see the answer keys)

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