Cub Pilot on the Mississippi Review

According to Twain, what was the chief benefit of the two and a half years he spent working on riverboats?

• developing his manual skills

• learning geography

• learning how to work with people

• gaining insight into human nature

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

Which of the following best summarizes this description of Brown?

He was a middle-aged, long, slim, bony, smooth-shaven, horse-faced, ignorant, stingy, malicious, snarling, fault-hunting, mote-magnifying tyrant.

• The narrator despises him.

• The narrator has a grudging respect for him.

• You can’t judge a book by its cover.

• You can find humor in the least likely places.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does this passage indicate about how Twain and Brown will get along as the story unfolds?

Brown was at the wheel. I paused in the middle of the room all fixed to make my bow, but Brown did not look around. I thought he took a furtive glance at me out of the corner of his eye, but as not even this notice was repeated, I judged I had been mistaken.

• The relationship between Twain and Brown will be full of conflict.

• The relationship between Twain and Brown will be friendly.

• The relationship between Twain and Brown will be warm.

• The relationship between Twain and Brown will be of no importance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

What can you infer about the conflict between Twain and Brown from this passage?

The moment I was in the presence, even in the darkest night, I could feel those yellow eyes upon me, and knew their owner was watching for a pretext to spit out some venom on me.

• a. Brown imagines that Twain dislikes him.

• b. Brown dislikes Twain because of his poor job performance.

• c. Brown is trying to help Twain.

• d. Brown’s dislike for Twain is just part of Brown’s personality.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In contrast to Brown, George Ealer, George Ritchie’s boss, is

• a. lazy

• b. incompetent

• c. kindhearted

• d. forgetful

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

George Richie takes great pleasure in

• a. playing pranks on Brown

• b. teasing Twain about Brown

• c. showing up Twain in front of Brown

• d. showing up Twain in front of Ealer

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Brown fails to hear Henry’s shouted instruction to stop at a landing because

• a. he dislikes Henry and always ignores him

• b. he is too busy yelling at Twain

• c. he has fallen asleep at the wheel

• d. he is deaf

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

Which of the following best answers the question, Why does the narrator continue the attack on Brown with such pleasure?

• a. to defend Henry against Brown’s attack

• b. out of hatred and frustration

• c. because he is by nature a violent person

• d. because he might not have another opportunity to do so

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

Which of the following best describes the captain’s attitude toward Twain after the attack on Brown?

• a. supportive

• b. sad

• c. angry

• d. surprised

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of these personal qualities does Twain discover as a result of his conflict with Brown?

• a. courage

• b. recklessness

• c. steering skill

• d. sense of humor

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.7