The Story-teller

What is the setting for “The Story-Teller”?

• on a public railway carriage made uncomfortable by the heat

• on a crowded subway in New York City

• in the carriage of an old-fashioned horse-drawn stagecoach

• on an elegant private train where every comfort is assure

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What is the relationship among the bachelor, the aunt, and the three children in “The Story-Teller”?

• He is the children’s uncle and the aunt’s brother-in-law.

• He is engaged to marry the aunt but has never met the children before.

• He is someone the other characters see on the train all the time but do not know well.

• He is a complete stranger to the other characters.

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What can you infer from this sentence near the start of “The Story-Teller”?

Most of the aunt’s remarks seemed to begin with “Don’t,” and nearly all of the children’s remarks began with “Why?”

• It is a long trip to Templecombe.

• The aunt is extremely clever about handling the children.

• The children are pleasant and well-behaved.

• The aunt is having trouble keeping the children under control.

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While Cyril is smacking the seat cushions, his aunt invites him to look out the window. What can you infer from these two details in “The Story-Teller”?

• The aunt is trying to distract Cyril and get him to behave.

• The aunt is punishing Cyril for his bad behavior.

• The aunt is not aware of what Cyril is doing but wants to teach him about cows.

• The aunt is trying to anticipate Cyril’s loss of interest in the seat cushions.

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After Cyril looks out the window and asks questions about the sheep, the aunt starts talking about cows. What can you infer from these two details in “The Story-Teller”?

• The aunt prefers cows to sheep.

• The aunt, unaware of Cyril’s interest, brings up an entirely new subject.

• The aunt is trying to stop Cyril from asking so many questions.

• The aunt has attention deficit disorder.

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In “The Story-Teller,” what does Cyril’s constant questioning suggest about him?

• Hi is foolish and ignorant.

• Hi is nervous and worried.

• He is timid and shy.

• He is curious and mischievous.

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In “The Story-Teller,” what is the bachelor’s reaction toward the children at first?

• amusement

• curiosity

• annoyance

• delight

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Who is “The Story-Teller” of the title?

• Saki

• the bachelor

• Cyril

• none of the above

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What does the aunt in “The Story-Teller” find improper about the bachelor’s story?

• It makes fun of Bertha’s goodness.

• It has too many fantasy elements.

• It unrealistically suggests that virtue is always rewarded.

• The bachelor tells it without invitation, interrupting the aunt’s story to do so.

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In “The Story-Teller,” which statement best expresses a theme of the story about Bertha?

• Violence never solves anything.

• It is important to protect the environment.

• Goodness is eventually rewarded.

• If you are too proud of being good, you are not really so good.

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