"Hearts and Hands" by O. Henry

Reread the following sentence:

Money has a way of taking wings unto itself, and you know it takes money to keep step with our crowd in Washington.

How does the figurative language in the sentence contribute to the readers’ understanding of Easton’s criminal actions?

• Easton’s money was taken away by birds,, and he decided to rob banks for money.

• Easton’s money was stolen by a friend in Washington, so he made counterfeit money to get by until the criminal was caught.

• Easton spent money so quickly that he decided to create counterfeit money to help him keep up his rich lifestyle.

• Easton made counterfeit money as a way to impress his friends and help them buy things that they couldn’t afford.

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CCSS.RL.7.2

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How does the information provided in paragraph 10 help readers understand Miss Fairchild’s perspective on Mr. Easton?

• Like the real marshal, she is very observant and seems to have seen through Easton’s lie; she hints at this by comparing him to the “Wild West” stories.

• She seems impressed with Easton, partly due to her interest in the West and the new image she has of him as a western hero.

• Like Easton, Miss Fairchild believes that money is the most important thing, but she pretends otherwise to avoid hurting his feelings.

• She seems to have a crush on Easton, though only because he reminds her of many fond memories of their old group in Washington.

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PART A: What can the reader infer about Easton’s character based on the interaction between him and Miss Fairchild?

*Write down your answer for this one to help you with your answer for Part B!

• He is a charming young man who values the importance of money, which was likely the thing that got him into trouble.

• He is a timid, awkward man who, if he were not interrupted, would have told Miss Fairchild the truth and pleaded for help.

• He is in love with Miss Fairchild and went out west to make money so he could marry her, but became a marshal when he failed.

• He is dishonest and deceptive, as shown by how easily he lies to Miss Fairchild and pulls the unwilling marshal into the lie too.

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PART B: Which of the following quotes from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• “Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner”

• .“Easton, with a little laugh, as if amused, was about to speak again when the other forestalled him.”

• “‘My dear Miss Fairchild,’ said Easton, calmly, ‘I had to do something... you know it takes money to keep step with our crowd in Washington.

• “‘I saw this opening in the West, and — well, a marshalship isn’t quite as high a position as that of ambassador, but — ’”

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CCSS.RL.7.2

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What does the passenger’s comment in the following paragraph reveal about his attitude toward people in the West? (RL.7.3)

The two passengers in a seat nearby had heard most of the conversation. Said one of them: “That marshal’s a good sort of chap. Some of these Western fellows are all right.”

• He does not think highly of most people who live in the West.

• He thinks all Western police officers are cowardly.

• He thinks people who live in the West are criminals.

• He think that Western marshals should be respected.

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Based on the details presented in the story, which best identifies what “Hearts” in the title “Hearts and Hands” symbolizes? (RL.7.4)

• Easton’s love of money

• Miss Fairchild’s enjoyment of the West

• the marshal’s kindness toward Easton

• . the passenger’s appreciation for the marshal

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CCSS.RL.7.2

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Reread the following sentence from the passage.

Easton, with a little laugh, as if amused, was about to speak again when the other forestalled him.”

PART A: What does the word “forestall” mean as used in the sentence?

**Write down your answer! You will need it for Part B!

• to start

• to watch

• to joke

• to interrupt

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PART B: Which of the following quotes from paragraph 6 best supports the answer to Part A?

• "with a little laugh”

• “as if amused”

• “about to speak again”

• “with veiled glance”

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CCSS.RL.7.2

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Which of the following best identifies the irony revealed in the story’s resolution? (RL.7.4)

• he marshal did not handcuff the prisoner correctly, so it was possible the criminal could escape.

• The glum-faced man is really the marshal, while Mr. Easton is really the criminal

• Miss Fairchild hints at romantic interest in Mr Easton even though she had been scared of him earlier.

• Miss Fairchild lives in Washington but she says she would be happy living in the West.

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Which of the following words describes the tone created by the author’s word choice in the following

paragraph? ( RL.7.4 )

At Denver there was an influx of passengers into the coaches on the eastbound B. & M. Express. In one coach there sat a very pretty young woman dressed in elegant taste and surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveler. Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner; the other a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and roughly dressed. The two were handcuffed together.

• dazzled

• overwhelmed

• excited

• disgusted

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