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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. What do the words on the blackboard say?

2. What does Daru throw into the snow and watch sink?

3. Which direction did the two men head after they were finished with their rest?

4. What does the Arab do in the middle of the night?

5. What does Daru do after he leaves the Arab and walks into the next room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Balducci warn Daru to keep his gun close?

2. What does Daru explain will happen if the Arab chooses the southern route?

3. What does Daru say about this surprising order?

4. What type of story could this be considered?

5. What imagery reminds the readers of the setting?

6. When will the villagers return to the schoolhouse?

7. What kind of element does the continued isolation imagery invoked in the story?

8. Why is Daru no longer a part of a community of men?

9. How does Daru feel as he thinks about Balducci as he remembers him while waiting for the Arab to awaken?

10. How does Daru feel about the silence at the schoolhouse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Arab and Daru do not talk on the trip to the plateau much. Why don't you think they spend a lot of time talking? Use information from the text to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Describe how the author uses the literary tool of foreshadowing throughout this short story. Include specific examples from the story to support your description.

Essay Topic 3

Write in diary format how Daru must be feeling throughout the text. Include entries for each major event from the story. Use information from the text to ensure your accounts are accurate.

(see the answer keys)

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