ELA Study Island review

What can we infer about the American based on the text?

• The American wants to go back to America.

• The American is impressed by the composure of the Hostess.

• The American thinks women are braver than men.

• The American dislikes spirited discussions.

Through the perspective of the narrator, the author explores the themes of…

• Biases and Opinion 

• Sexism and patriotism

• Objectivity and facts

Which quote supports the idea that some of the men are biased towards women?

• “out of the corner of his eye, he sees the cobra emerge and make for the bowl of milk. Screams ring out as he jumps to slam the veranda doors safely shut.”

• “I want to know just what control everyone at this table has. I will count to three hundred—that’s five minutes—and not one of you is to move a muscle.”

• “‘A woman’s unfailing reaction in any crisis’ the colonel says, ‘is to scream. And while a man may feel like it, he has that ounce more of nerve control than a woman has. And that last ounce is what counts.’”

The American comes to with a start. In India, milk in a bowl means only one thing—bait for a snake. He realizes there must be a cobra in the room.

Based on this passage, what do we know about the American?

• He wishes that the cobra would leave the room

• He suspects that the snake is under the table

• He has some knowledge about Indian culture and customs

• He is less clever than the hostess

What does the dialogue and plot reveal about the American as a character?

• He is curious, loud, and talkative

• He is reserved, observant, and clever

• He is confident, knowledgeable, and sexist

• He is a feminist and reliable

“As he looks, he sees a strange expression come over the face of the hostess. She is staring straight ahead, her muscles contracting slightly. With a slight gesture she summons the native boy standing behind her chair and whispers to him. ”

This line is important to the story because…

• The hostess’s actions capture the American’s attention, causing him to propose the composure contest

• It makes the colonels argument that men are more composed than women inaccurate

• It gives the reader insight into the hostess’s brain

• It makes the story interesting