View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the narrator say that savin trees symbolize?
(a) Hypocrisy.
(b) Greed.
(c) Anger.
(d) Sterility.

2. Why does Tom decide that he will not agree to the devil's bargain?
(a) Because it will please his wife if he does it.
(b) Because he believes that the devil will try to trick him.
(c) Because his wife convinces him to ask for more money.
(d) Because he does not want to risk his soul.

3. Where is the pirate treasure buried?
(a) In an abandoned fort.
(b) Under a fallen hemlock.
(c) Beneath a tall oak.
(d) On an island in the Charles Bay.

4. What is the rumor in town about Absalom Crowninshield?
(a) That he is a pirate.
(b) That he has taken bribes.
(c) That he is a slave trader.
(d) That he is a money lender.

5. What is one source of trouble in Tom Walker's marriage?
(a) Tom's wife hides resources from him and keeps them for herself.
(b) Tom's wife often disappears into the forest overnight.
(c) Tom refuses to buy the luxuries his wife feels she deserves.
(d) Tom is physically abusive toward his wife.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does the narrator metaphorically compare the financial speculation of Governor Belcher's time?

2. Why does the devil say that he has a right to cut wood on this land?

3. Tom Walker is described as meager and miserly. What kind of a person is he?

4. What is true of the tree Tom is sitting on?

5. What makes the item on Tom's desk ironic?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the implication of the conversation between the devil and Tom about the ownership of the swamp land?

5. What is the reaction of the Walkers' neighbors to their fighting?

6. How does Tom's wife react to his news, and what is his response to her?

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

8. How does the narrator add to the credibility of the story by mentioning the various possible fates of Tom's wife?

9. What does Tom believe happened to his wife, and why, and how does he feel about it?

10. What two reasons does the narrator give for Tom's fearlessness in the swamp and upon meeting the devil?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample