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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. The narrator says, on page 619, that something has "well nigh depeopled the streets." In this context, what does the phrase "well nigh" mean?
(a) Slowly.
(b) Completely.
(c) Come very close to.
(d) Tried and failed to.

2. What is the only reason that Bob can imagine Jimmy not showing up?
(a) He cannot get away from work.
(b) He is dead.
(c) He no longer lives in New York.
(d) He has forgotten Bob.

3. In his explanation of what has happened, what is the first thing that Jimmy wants to be sure Bob knows?
(a) He still considers Bob his best friend.
(b) He truly struggled with the decision to turn Bob in.
(c) He showed up for their meeting on time.
(d) He has no sympathy for criminals.

4. What distinguishing feature does Bob have on his face?
(a) A black eye.
(b) A small scar.
(c) A birthmark.
(d) A mole.

5. At what time of night are Bob and Jimmy supposed to meet?
(a) 10 p.m.
(b) 11 p.m.
(c) 9 p.m.
(d) Midnight.

Short Answer Questions

1. What criticism does Bob have for New York itself?

2. Why did Bob leave New York?

3. What kind of street is a "pacific thoroughfare" (619)?

4. On page 621, how does the reader learn that the first police officer was actually Jimmy?

5. What causes Bob to realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the introduction of Bob's character contrast with the introduction of Jimmy's character?

2. How is Bob characterized by the accessories that he carries?

3. What is the significance of the similarities and differences in the ways that Bob's and the plainclothes officer's faces are revealed?

4. What surprises Bob about the appearance of the man that he thinks is his old friend, and how does the man explain away Bob's doubts?

5. What is the effect of the passage depicting Bob continuing to wait in the doorway as it begins to rain?

6. In the story's beginning, what evidence is there that Jimmy takes pride in his job?

7. Describe the story's opening moments, including its setting.

8. What does the note from Jimmy explain to Bob?

9. Why does Bob guess that Jimmy might not be as much of a success as Bob himself has become?

10. What is ironic about the way that Bob describes his old friend to the "policeman" he encounters?

(see the answer keys)

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