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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. In his stories, what does Jim tell people about his five-cent piece?
(a) He found it under a tree.
(b) The Devil gave it to him.
(c) Miss Watson gave it to him.
(d) He stole it from the Devil.

2. What is the origin of the feud between the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons?
(a) There was a dispute over the river landing stage.
(b) No one seems to know, as it started so long ago.
(c) There was a dispute over land.
(d) There was a romance between a Shepherdson and a Grangerford.

3. What action does Jim fear will bring bad luck?
(a) Touching a snake's skin.
(b) Falling over a black cat.
(c) Pulling floating bread from the river.
(d) Spitting into the wind.

4. What word should Huck have used instead of "dolphin"?
(a) Catfish.
(b) Dauphin.
(c) Whale.
(d) Dapin.

5. What was Peter Wilks's occupation?
(a) Doctor.
(b) Printer.
(c) Baker.
(d) Tanner.

Short Answer Questions

1. How was Colonel Grangerford attired on Sundays?

2. Why is Huck feeling "mean and miserable" in Chapter 15?

3. What is the oracle that Jim consults?

4. Where does Huck go to cook his supper in Chapter 8?

5. What forms the basis of the humorous conversation in Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the psychological card Colonel Sherburn plays so successfully during the confrontation?

2. In what sense does Jim reach his moral nadir when he considers buying his children from their owner?

3. What does Chapter 4 show the reader about Huckleberry Finn's character?

4. How might Pappy's rejection of Huck's achievements at school be explained?

5. What is the special relevance of the catastrophe related in Chapter 18?

6. In what way can the character of Pappy be seen purely as social commentary?

7. What traits does Huck demonstrate in Chapter 7?

8. How does Twain satirize popular literature in Chapter 17?

9. Comment upon Huck's observation that, in the present situation, "the truth is better, and actuly safer, than a lie."

10. What makes the river a dangerous, as well as an idyllic, place to be?

(see the answer keys)

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