View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the drummer feeling as danger approaches?
(a) A sense of fun.
(b) Terror.
(c) Bravery.
(d) Increasing bewilderment and anxiety.

2. Why does the man on the platform not notice Jack and his wife?
(a) He is asleep.
(b) He is loading wood for the train.
(c) He is getting the water for the train.
(d) He is shoveling coal for the train.

3. Why does the bride become anxious?
(a) She can't find her small overnight bag.
(b) She is afraid to live in a small town.
(c) She spilled some food on her dress.
(d) She picks up on Jack's nervousness.

4. What do other passengers on the train think of the couple?
(a) They are rich.
(b) They are from San Antonio.
(c) They are handsome.
(d) They are naive.

5. How does the man who informs the crowd in the bar describe Scratchy?
(a) "He's turned loose with both hands."
(b) "He's locked and loaded today."
(c) "He's gripping his guns with gusto!"
(d) "He's making so much noise he spooked my horse."

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is the bride's dress?

2. How does the porter view the couple on the train?

3. Why does Jack remain so secretive?

4. Where did Jack once shoot Scratchy?

5. How does the man sit on the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the little silver watch? Why did Jack by this for his bride? What is this a symbol of?

2. Why does the author say the bride has cooked before? What gives the reader the clue to her background?

3. The author describes the grassy plots across the street from the bar as looking like grass on a stage. What does this tell the reader about the times and entertainment?

4. Why is it important to know that the bride is neither pretty nor young?

5. Jack shows his new bride the train with the pride of an owner. He lavishes expensive (for them) meals upon her. What does this tell us about their relationship and their future marriage?

6. At the opening of Chapter 2, describe the scene in the Weary Gentleman. What is the feeling? Is the town relaxed and pleasant? Why? Why not? What tensions do you feel at this point in the story?

7. What is the drummer's reaction to Jack's job? Do you get the sense that this is unusual for the drummer? He is a traveling man, but is not prepared for this. What does this say about the town of Yellow Sky?

8. What did Jack once do to Scratchy? Why is this important to the story? Do these men really feel that they cannot handle the situation without Jack, or do they just not want to?

9. Explain the significance of the character of the drummer?

10. How is the bride described in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,076 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample