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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 2: Pages 16-32.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On page 1, the narrator says that the night "was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht." What does "palpable" mean in this context?
(a) Soft enough to be squeezed or manipulated.
(b) Warning of bad things to come.
(c) Able to be felt or touched.
(d) Dark and forbidding, gloomy.

2. What makes Rainsford a little uncomfortable about the General?
(a) Zaroff carries a pistol with him.
(b) Zaroff keeps staring at him.
(c) Zaroff keeps making strange jokes that Rainsford doesn't understand.
(d) Zaroff refuses to answer Rainsford's questions.

3. What is the first thing that Rainsford does once he is on top of the cliffs?
(a) Yell for help.
(b) Hide.
(c) Make a fire.
(d) Sleep.

4. On page 33, the narrator mentions that Zaroff has "surmounted" an obstacle. What has Zaroff done?
(a) Given up because of an obstacle.
(b) Created an obstacle.
(c) Overcome an obstacle.
(d) Avoided an obstacle.

5. Which is the best description of Rainsford when he is in the water?
(a) He thinks the situation is amusing at first but rapidly realizes that it is serious.
(b) He is overconfident and thinks that nothing can harm him.
(c) He panics and then is embarrassed because he is well-known for his courage.
(d) He is shocked at first but stays calm and thinks his situation through.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are Rainsford and his partner headed?

2. What reason does Whitney give Rainsford for the sailors' fear of the island?

3. What is the name of the island on which the story takes place?

4. What kind of people does Rainsford guess might live on the island?

5. What explanation does Zaroff give for having recognized Rainsford?

(see the answer key)

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