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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why does the house let the dog in?
(a) It is an accident.
(b) It recognizes the dog.
(c) It is programmed to let in any dog or cat.
(d) It wants the dog to find the family.

3. The robot mice are said to live in "warrens." This means that they live in what?
(a) Networks of tunnels.
(b) Small boxes.
(c) Racks.
(d) Plastic sleeves.

4. What does Bradbury say is like "an altar with ten-thousand attendants"?
(a) The city.
(b) The house.
(c) The incinerator.
(d) The yard.

5. What does the dog do once it gets inside the house?
(a) It begins eating the spoiled food.
(b) It falls asleep in the nursery.
(c) It looks through the house for the family's other dog.
(d) It barks at every door.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bradbury compare the chemical fire-fighting foam to?

2. "The house tried to save itself" is an example of which technique?

3. To what does Bradbury compare folding tables?

4. On what date does the story begin?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the likely purpose of including mechanical creatures such as rats and roaches?

2. How do the cleaning mice allude to Cinderella, and what is the purpose of this allusion?

3. Describe the image that ends the story and explain its significance.

4. Explain the purpose of the story's allusion to Longfellow's poem "The Children's Hour."

5. Explain what evidence there is that the house deliberately causes the dog's death.

6. Explain what is ironic about the rain in the nursery scenery.

7. How does Bradbury use the dates on which the story takes place as a form of foreshadowing?

8. What are the poses of the people in their silhouettes on the side of the house, and why are they important to notice?

9. What is the meaning of the silhouettes on the side of the house?

10. The garbage disposal in the kitchen is referred to as a "metal throat." What techniques are at use here, and what is their purpose?

(see the answer keys)

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