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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. With whom does the boy fall in love?

2. The person that tries to help the woman is called a _________.

3. What city is mentioned in the story?

4. What happens to the loved one's body during the night?

5. What is the name of the protagonist in "A Piece of Wood?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What unusual fact about a victim is discovered by the ambulance drivers in "Long After Midnight?"

2. In the story "The Aqueduct" how does a third party benefit from a war between two other nations?

3. How does the wife attempt to help her husband in "The Women?"

4. In "The Day It Rained Forever" three friends complain at the severe heat while waiting for a specific event to occur. What is the event? When is it due to occur?

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

6. In "The Happiness Machine" Leo Auffmann invents a happiness machine. Describe the machine and was it does for the users. Also examine the opinion of Mrs. Auffmann.

7. Discuss the life span of the characters in "Frost and Fire" and why it is unusual.

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

9. What is the story of the main character in "The Illustrated Woman?"

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In various stories Bradbury uses a background story of a space ship that has somehow become inoperable for some reason. Explain why this is a convenient way to explain the presence of aliens on another planet. Explain in detail Bradbury's reasons for the downed space craft and why they may not be able to be repaired. In the case of "Frost and Fire" the space ship repair was relatively easy. Explain how Bradbury may make a different use of the space ship.

Essay Topic 2

What is Bradbury's fascination with aliens including Martians and Venusians along with the planets themselves? Consider the time period in which each alien story was written. Compare and contrast the aliens from the stories with aliens seen most often in today's popular culture.

Essay Topic 3

Make a comparison of the stories contained within the book to the productions in the Ray Bradbury Theater as well as full length feature films. Do the films and plays live up to Bradbury's writing and visions. Explain similarities, differences, and explain your preferences.

(see the answer keys)

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