Unit Test Review

How are the themes of "We Wear the Mask" and "A Man Said to the Universe" similar? a. Both show how humans can be helpless in the face of external forces. b. Both state that large, powerful forces such as society are illusions. c. Both illustrate the environment's indifference to humankind. d. Both demonstrate why people must hide their suffering in order to survive.

A) Both show how humans can be helpless in the face of external forces

Read the judge's words from chapter 23 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." We are sold—mighty badly sold. But we don't want to be the laughing stock of this whole town, I reckon, and never hear the last of this thing as long as we live. No. What we want is to go out of here quiet, and talk this show up, and sell the rest of the town! Then we'll all be in the same boat. Ain't that sensible?" What is ironic about the judge's statement? a. Rather than admit they have been fooled, the townspeople truly believe it is more sensible to devise a plan to fool the others as well. b. Despite the fact they themselves have been fooled, the townspeople trick themselves into thinking it will be easy to fool the others. c. Although the show was truly funny, the townspeople are still petrified of what others will say about the fact they attended the show. d. In spite of the fact the townspeople claim to be embarrassed about attending the show, they actually enjoyed themselves immensely.

A) Rather than admit they have been fooled, the townspeople truly believe it is more sensible to devise a plan to fool the others as well.

Which images in the poem "We Wear the Mask" best portray an ironic contrast? a. grins and lies b. torn and bleeding hearts c. tears and sighs d. cheeks and eyes

A) grins and lies

Read the lines from chapter 22 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Then at the bottom was the biggest line of all, which said: LADIES AND CHILDREN NOT ADMITTED. "There," says he, "if that line don't fetch them, I don't know Arkansaw!" Twain is most likely using humor to convey his viewpoint that a. people are often tempted by the thrill of something naughty. b. people are often too ignorant to know when they are being fooled. c. liars and swindlers will stop at nothing to make fast and easy money. d. liars and swindlers are often considerate of the feelings of others.

A) people are often tempted by the thrill of something naughty.

Read "Once I Saw the Mountains Angry," by Stephen Crane. Once I saw mountains angry, And ranged in battle-front. Against them stood a little man; Aye, he was no bigger than my finger. I laughed, and spoke to one near me, "Will he prevail?" "Surely," replied this other; "His grandfathers beat them many times. "Then did I see much virtue in grandfathers— At least, for the little man Who stood against the mountains. Which best describes the theme of this poem? a. People are more powerful than elements of nature. b. People can find strength by understanding past generations. c. People are arrogant in their belief that they are stronger than nature. d. People who are resilient are able to act courageously.

B) People can find strength by understanding past generations.

Based on the dialect used throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which of the following statements about the characters within the story is most accurate? a. Jim's use of dialect suggests that he is working hard to gain favor with the duke and the king. b. The king's use of dialect suggests that he may not actually be a king and is simply posing as one. c. Huck's use of dialect suggests that he is just a young boy who wants to fit in with the crowd. d. The duke's use of dialect suggests that he really is a duke, attempting to act as a common swindler.

B) The king's use of dialect suggests that he may not actually be a king and is simply posing as one.

Read the two excerpts from section 3 of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Then all at once, with terrible suddenness, the light about him shot upward with the noise of a loud splash; a frightful roaring was in his ears, and all was cold and dark. The power of thought was restored; he knew that the rope had broken and he had fallen into the stream.***As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon—then all is darkness and silence! What does the motif of a loud sound represent in the story? a. the passage between the North and the South b. the passage between dreams and reality c. the contrast between right and wrong d. the contrast between one's family and one's enemies

B) the passage between dreams and reality

In "Sympathy," why does Dunbar repeat the phrase "I know" throughout the poem? a. to emphasize his own desire to be free like a bird b. to emphasize his understanding of the harsh effects of racism on individuals c. to illustrate that he understands the bird's loneliness d. to highlight the way that long-term physical imprisonment affects individuals

B) to emphasize his understanding of the harsh effects of racism on individuals

Read the excerpt from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." He unclosed his eyes and saw again the water below him. "If I could free my hands," he thought, "I might throw off the noose and spring into the stream. By diving I could evade the bullets and, swimming vigorously, reach the bank, take to the woods and get away home. My home, thank God, is as yet outside their lines; my wife and little ones are still beyond the invader's farthest advance." Which best describes the impact of the narration in the excerpt? a. It helps the reader understand why the man is being hanged. b. It introduces the reader to a new character through the character's thoughts. c. It allows the reader to understand the thoughts of a man preparing for death. d. It reveals to the reader the man's plan of escape.

C) It allows the reader to understand the thoughts of a man preparing for death.

Which is a motif in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" that represents being trapped? a. the railroad tracks b. the cannonballs c. the wooden planks d. the noose

D) the noose

Read the excerpt from chapter 23 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." What we want is to go out of here quiet, and talk this show up, and sell the rest of the town! Then we'll all be in the same boat. Ain't that sensible?" ("You bet it is!—the jedge is right!" everybody sings out.) Twain is most likely using humor to make a statement about the impressionability of which of the following groups of people? a. those who work in the legal field, represented by the "jedge" b. those who are not formally educated, represented by Huck and Jim c. those who swindle and cheat others, represented by the "duke" and "king" d. those who are considered common folk, represented by the townspeople

D) those who are considered common folk, represented by the townspeople

Read the excerpt from "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." As he pushes open the gate and passes up the wide white walk, he sees a flutter of female garments; his wife, looking fresh and cool and sweet, steps down from the veranda to meet him. At the bottom of the steps she stands waiting, with a smile of ineffable joy, an attitude of matchless grace and dignity. Ah, how beautiful she is! He springs forward with extended arms. Which best describes the narration in the excerpt? a. tense and spooky b. calm and carefree c. anxious and confused d. warm and romantic

D) warm and romantic