Train Dreams Quiz

Take our free Train Dreams quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

What earlier experience is echoed by Grainier's experience on the plane, and why? (from Chapter 7)

The encounter with Haley: both are situations in which Grainier comes to regret actions he didn't take, but should have.

The curse of "the Chinaman": both are situations in which Grainier becomes certain that mistakes in his past have led to his unhappy present.

The visitation from Gladys: both are situations in which knowledge is given to Grainier by some kind of spirit.

The visitation from Gladys: both are situations in which knowledge comes to Grainier in more intuitive, more spiritual ways.

Why does Grainier do Gladys' share of the chores in Chapter 1? (from Chapter 1 )

He thinks she's lazy, and angrily does her share of the work because it has to be done.

He's frightened of hurting Kate and doesn't want to be around her very much.

He's frightened of what he thinks "the Chinaman" might do, and thinks that doing a favor for Gladys will bring good instead of danger.

He is sensitive to her fatigue and illness, and he wants to take care of her.

In Chapter 7, narration refers to Grainier seeing a cabin "he’d never remembered before, the places of his hidden childhood, a vast golden wheat field, heat shimmering above a road, arms encircling him, and a woman’s voice crooning, and all the mysteries of this life were answered.” Given what the narrative has indicated about Grainier and his life so far, what do you think is the answer to those mysteries? (from Chapter 7)

Rebirth.

Land ownership.

Parenthood.

Love.

What is most likely the main connection between what happened to Susan and Haley ending up a boomer? (from Chapter 3)

Haley was attacked by Susan's father and injured so severely that he became physically incapable of working.

Traumatized by his sense of guilt over what happened to Susan's father, Haley became unable to work.

Haley was attacked by the police investigating Susan's death and was injured so severely that he became unable to work.

Traumatized by his sense of guilt over what happened to Susan, Haley was unable to work.

What does Gladys believe about what happened the night of the fire? (from Chapter 6)

That by throwing away her Bible, she earned the wrath of God and was killed.

That by throwing away her Bible, she earned the wrath of God and got Kate killed.

That by throwing away the chocolates, she created a trail that the animals who saved Kate's life could follow.

That by saving the chocolates, she saved Kate's life.