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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. What is the reaction of nature to the end of human existence in the poem "There Will Come Soft Rains"?
(a) Nature is puzzled and uncertain.
(b) Nature grieves the loss of humankind.
(c) Nature is unaware and indifferent.
(d) Nature celebrates the end of humankind.

2. What causes the fire to eventually win the battle with the house?
(a) The rain stops.
(b) The wind creates flames so intense the house cannot fight them.
(c) The fire reaches the house's "brain" in the attic.
(d) The house stops defending itself.

3. The robot mice are said to live in "warrens." This means that they live in what?
(a) Networks of tunnels.
(b) Racks.
(c) Small boxes.
(d) Plastic sleeves.

4. Who does the story imply is still alive in the city?
(a) Some animals.
(b) A few scientists.
(c) The wealthy.
(d) No one.

5. What "delicacies" does the fire consume upstairs?
(a) The clothing of every member of the family.
(b) Paintings by well-known artists.
(c) Vinyl record albums by famous singers.
(d) The children's toys.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens at ten-fifteen?

2. On what date does the story begin?

3. What does Bradbury compare to Baal?

4. What is the likely purpose of inserting the house's "dialogue" ("Help, help! Fire! Run, run!") into the scene that describes the fire consuming the house?

5. What is the job of the robot mice?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between the focus of Teasdale's poem and the focus of Bradbury's short story?

2. Explain the significance of the nursery decor.

3. What is the purpose of ending the story with the house fire? Why not just end it with the reading of the Teasdale poem?

4. What is the likely purpose of including mechanical creatures such as rats and roaches?

5. What is the meaning of the silhouettes on the side of the house?

6. Explain the inclusion of the Sara Teasdale poem in this story.

7. Describe the image that ends the story and explain its significance.

8. How does Bradbury use the dates on which the story takes place as a form of foreshadowing?

9. In what way is the house's "speech" like nursery rhymes, and what is the purpose of this choice?

10. Explain how the pun in the line "The morning house lay empty" explains why the house is empty and foreshadows the story's later revelation of the family's fate.

(see the answer keys)

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