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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "There Will Come Soft Rains".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why do the robot mice come out when they do?
(a) They are programmed to come out at nine-fifteen.
(b) There is food spilled near the table.
(c) They mistake the noise of the rain for an intruder.
(d) They are looking for the family.

2. What causes the house to temporarily "give up" as the fire spreads?
(a) The house is waiting for the flames to reach the attic.
(b) The house is ready to "die."
(c) It has begun to rain outside.
(d) There is no more water.

3. Just before the house collapses, what does it do?
(a) It shuts down entirely except for its "voice" function.
(b) It begins performing multiple functions over and over.
(c) It dumps out all of the liquor, coffee, and milk in one last attempt to fight the fire.
(d) It announces the wrong date and time.

4. What is the reaction of nature to the end of human existence in the poem "There Will Come Soft Rains"?
(a) Nature celebrates the end of humankind.
(b) Nature grieves the loss of humankind.
(c) Nature is unaware and indifferent.
(d) Nature is puzzled and uncertain.

5. What happens to the dog when it cannot get into the kitchen?
(a) It runs through the house breaking things.
(b) It scratches through the door.
(c) It leaves the house.
(d) It dies.

Short Answer Questions

1. The line "And swallows circling with their shimmering sound" is an example of which technique?

2. What has happened to the city around the house?

3. What does the house do with the uneaten breakfast?

4. What is thematically important about the cause of the fire in the kitchen?

5. Who does the story imply is still alive in the city?

(see the answer key)

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