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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Scratchy's face red?

2. Scratcy's yelling is met by what on Main Street?

3. Where does Scratchy find the piece of paper?

4. How does the couple sometimes laugh together as they walk to their home?

5. What is the barkeeper's dog doing when Scratchy approaches?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the dog a symbol of? What is the dog supposed to be in this story?

2. Why does the couple walk quickly to get to Jack's house? What are they afraid of? If they had not been so afraid, could they have avoided trouble?

3. Does Scratchy introduce himself to Jack's new wife? Why? Why not? How does he feel when he realizes that he is confronted with Jack's wife?

4. How does the author describe the gunman's anger? Describe the muscles in his neck. What are they doing? How does he look?

5. When Jack thinks back to the Pullman and all its beauty, what is this a symbol of?

6. What is Apache scalp music? Why does Scratchy walk to Jack's house humming this music?

7. Does Jack Potter seem unafraid? Why? Does he know that Scratchy will not shoot him? Or does he feel he is ready if he is shot? Does Jack understand that Scratchy will have some ethics involved here?

8. Why would Jack not carry a gun on the day he is married?

9. What is the significance of the funnel-shaped tracks left by Scratchy's feet as he walks away from Jack and his wife?

10. Does Scratchy finally fire at the windows of the bar like the barkeeper thought he would? Is it good that everyone inside took cover?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you think Scratchy is still a threat at the end of the story? Do you think he will do this again? Why? Why not? Do you think this situation changed forever? Do you think this is the end of gunfighting in this town? Why? Why not?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the Rio Grande river? It is described as "fresh-cut." Why? Why is the river important to the town?

Essay Topic 3

Is the town Scratchy's friend or foe? How does Scratchy view the town? What is the town to him? Why does he regard the town in this way?

(see the answer keys)

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