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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator's acquaintance within the train car had how many "annas" (4) to spend?

2. What was Carnehan's first name?

3. The narrator agreed to take what action at Marwar Junction?

4. What reason precipitated the narrator riding in a particular section on the train?

5. Carnehan remarked that the contract forbade he and Dravot from getting involved with how many of the "things that make life worth having" (19)?

Short Essay Questions

1. The man asks the narrator to "come out of Central India in time to catch" (5) his friend in what location?

2. Give an example of Kipling's use of physical space to create humor.

3. What evidence exists to suggest that the narrator has become stuck in a rut since his last meeting with Carnehan?

4. In what way does the theme of ambition arise within the scene in the newspaper office when the narrator, Carnehan, and Dravot meet together?

5. In what way does the Loafer describe the man to whom he wants a message delivered?

6. What is the narrator's reward for delivering the requested message?

7. What is the tenet of the "Contrack" (17) between Dravot and Carnehan focusing on vices??

8. At what object has the narrator been looking when Carnehan reminds him to maintain eye contact?

9. With what weapons do Dravot and Carnehan arm themselves as they set out for Kafiristan?

10. What is the Existential viewpoint set forth in the epigraph?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of the story and one of the story's main messages. How does Kipling make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help him get across one main message of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Kipling’s messages about guilt and responsibility within the story. Focus especially on events such as Carnehan’s journey back through the mountains as he hallucinates that the deceased Dravot is leading him by the hand to safety.

Essay Topic 3

Explicate the theme of collectivism within Kipling's story "The Man Who Would Be King." What is Kipling’s message regarding the importance of teamwork and how do you know?

(see the answer keys)

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