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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which statement best describes the Pyncheons in the years after losing their fortune?
(a) They became very religious and charitable.
(b) They descended into corruption and avarice.
(c) They moved to Maine and started new lives.
(d) They rebuilt their fortune with grit and determination.

2. What does the Judge repeatedly try to prevent Phoebe from doing?
(a) Leave the shop.
(b) Insist he stay for lunch.
(c) Call Hepzibah.
(d) Misjudge him.

3. How does Clifford react to Hepzibah’s welcome?
(a) He fears it is a dream.
(b) He acts as if he is entitled to it.
(c) He is shocked and surprised.
(d) He seems completely indifferent.

4. What is Holgrave’s occupation?
(a) A harpsichord tuner.
(b) A real estate broker.
(c) A daguerreotypist.
(d) A hypnotist.

5. How does Hepzibah feel after her first day running the shop?
(a) Much better.
(b) About the same.
(c) A little bit better.
(d) Much worse.

6. What was the symptom of this mysterious death that occurs when the Pyncheons move into the House?
(a) Shriveling skin.
(b) Drooling blood.
(c) Hair falling out.
(d) Eyes turning white.

7. What does Hepzibah decide about her surprise guest at the beginning of the novel?
(a) This person can help her financially.
(b) This person is not being honest with her.
(c) This person can only stay one night.
(d) This person is really a ghost.

8. Who comes to the shop window after Phoebe has visited the garden the first time?
(a) The bill collector.
(b) A line of customers.
(c) The Judge.
(d) The fish dealer.

9. Why were the Maules considered outcasts?
(a) They were rumored to practice witchcraft.
(b) They lived outside of town.
(c) They were habitual criminals.
(d) They spent too much time with the natives.

10. Which statement best describes how the relationship between Hepzibah and Phoebe unfolds?
(a) They hit it off immediately.
(b) They quietly resent one another.
(c) They slowly develop a bond.
(d) They never quite trust each other.

11. Which of the following best describes the Maules?
(a) Hard working.
(b) Arrogant.
(c) Religious.
(d) They practiced witchcraft.

12. Who originally owned the land the House stands on?
(a) Matthew Maule.
(b) Holgrave.
(c) Colonel Pyncheon.
(d) Nathaniel Hawthorne.

13. What does Phoebe’s window look down on?
(a) The Elm.
(b) The front walk.
(c) The street.
(d) The garden.

14. What is just outside the House?
(a) A sign advertising the shop.
(b) A streetlamp.
(c) An old elm tree.
(d) A duck pond.

15. Who arrives for a surprise visit at the House at the beginning of the novel?
(a) Matthew Maule.
(b) Alice Pyncheon.
(c) Hepzibah’s son.
(d) Cousin Phoebe.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose portrait hangs on the wall in the parlor of the House?

2. For what crime has Clifford been convicted?

3. Why is Holgrave at the house at the beginning of the novel?

4. What is on the roof of the House?

5. Why has Hepzibah opened the shop?

(see the answer keys)

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