1. What detail does the story give about the shape of the tape on the windows?
(a) It is shaped like the letter "x."
(b) It is shaped like asterisks.
(c) It is shaped like diamonds.
(d) It is shaped like crosses.

2. For the majority of the story, what tone does the narrator adopt?
(a) Objective.
(b) Dismissive.
(c) Melancholic.
(d) Amused.

3. What does the narrator say "usually promises to be interesting" (19)?
(a) A religious crisis.
(b) A hurricane.
(c) A death.
(d) A flood.

4. Who is with the landlady when the landlady is talking about the mayor?
(a) The mail carrier.
(b) The main character.
(c) The landlady's son.
(d) No one.

5. On her train ride, what does the woman realize she has not given much thought to?
(a) The devil.
(b) Her friend's illness.
(c) Her next story.
(d) The newscasters.

Short Answer Questions

1. What technique is used in the sentence: "Outside her apartment, the weather was changing: the wind rose, the branches swayed on the young trees, and the leaves fluttered" (19)?

2. What detail in the description of the man indicates how ill he feels?

3. What technique is used in the phrase "the stink of burning hair, fur, and horn" (19)?

4. What does the sick man want when he calls the main character?

5. Why are rams' horns being blown all around the city?

(see the answer key)

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