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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the name of the deputy that greets Holston in his office in Chapter 1?
(a) Deputy Marnes.
(b) Deputy Conner.
(c) Deputy Jahns.
(d) Deputy Nelson.

2. What word from Chapter 1 refers to a monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top?
(a) Hexagon.
(b) Spire.
(c) Pyramid.
(d) Cyclone.

3. The narrator says of Holston in Chapter 1, “And he thought, not for the first time, that neither life nor staircase had been meant for” what?
(a) “The final days.”
(b) “The footprints of babes.”
(c) “Walking upon.”
(d) “Such an existence.”

4. How is the staircase that Holston is climbing described in Chapter 1?
(a) Marble.
(b) Plastic.
(c) Muddy.
(d) Spiral.

5. Whose son bumps into Holston’s knees at the top of the stairs in Chapter 1?
(a) Paula’s son.
(b) Sharon’s son.
(c) Allison’s son.
(d) Susan’s son.

Short Answer Questions

1. Holston is described in Chapter 1 as being determined to do what?

2. The narrator describes each step in Chapter 1 as being “rounded down like a pouting lip.” What literary technique is used in this example?

3. The days of Holston’s childhood are described in Chapter 1 as being over how many years distant?

4. The divisions of dormitories that Holston passes as he makes his way up the staircase in Chapter 1 are described as being shaped like what?

5. Holston’s office is described in Chapter 1 as being between the cafeteria and what?

(see the answer key)

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