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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. How many men gather together in a deep conversation in "Long After Midnight?"

2. In "The Day It Rained Forever" the main scene is set in what type of establishment?

3. Who is responsible for digging up the bodies?

4. What event takes place during the story?

5. What instrument is played by the older woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about the parrot in "The Parrot Who Met Papa?" What happens to the parrot?

2. Discuss the bizarre inscriptions discussed in "The Inspired Chicken Motel" and how they affect a family.

3. Tell the story of Margot in "All Summer in a Day."

4. In "The Best of All Possible Worlds," two men meet on a commuter train.

5. What is the main issue facing Carrie in "The Strawberry Window?" What is the resolution?

6. Discuss the plot of n "The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit." Who is involved? What do the people learn?

7. Explain the difference between the two men at the beach in "The Shoreline at Sunset."

8. Why is Joseph resentful toward Marie in "Interval in Sunlight?"

9. What is the plan put into motion by Doug in "The Utterly Perfect Murder?" What is the outcome?

10. Explain why the actions of the boy in "Have I Got a Chocolate Bar for You!" may seem odd to a bystander.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several stories in which machines and other inanimate objects come to life. Choose at least five instances in the book that fit this profile. Compare and contrast each. Is each of the inanimate objects harmful? Are any of the inanimate objects metaphors? Explain. What type of personification does Bradbury use if any? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Some characters that stand out in relation to unsatisfactory relationships are Mrs. Braling in "Marionettes, Inc.;" Genevieve in "The Silent Towns;" The Wilders in "The October Game;" and George and Katherine in "Punishment Without Crime." Choose two of the stories and compare and contrast the stories, the relationships and the characters involved.

Essay Topic 3

Children are routinely portrayed as innocents. Unfortunately, that also means that children in many of the stories are discounted or disbelieved, particularly if the stories they tell are fantastic. Some examples include "Homecoming," "The Screaming Woman," and "Black Ferris." Discuss Bradbury's use of children in his stories, why they are important, and how the characters add a new dimension to the other characters as well as the plots.

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