The Handsomest Drowned MAn in The World

     . . . men and women became aware for the first time of the desolation of their streets, the dryness of their courtyards, the narrowness of their dreams as they faced the splendor and beauty of their drowned man.

Which theme do the details in this excerpt suggest?

• a.       Dreams are less significant than the practical concerns of life.

• b.      It is important to treat strangers with respect and thoughtfulness.

• c.       The experience of wonder helps people see ordinary things in new ways.

• d.      People often lack appreciation for the place where they live.

Which detail in the story helps develop its theme of ideal masculinity?

 

• a.       Women believe the skills of the drowned man would exceed those of the local men.

• b.      The drowned man is given the name Esteban.

• c.       The village men announce that the drowned man is not from nearby.

• d.      Many people, both men and women, give the drowned man a grand funeral.

Which statement BEST summarizes the drowned man’s full effect on the villagers?

 

• a.       He causes them to neglect their daily work.

• b.      He creates conflict between the men and women of the village.

• c.       He unites them in a shared activity and emotional experience.

• d.      He presents them with a mystery they cannot solve.

Read the following excerpt from “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World.”

So when the men returned with the news that the drowned man was not from the neighboring villages either, the women felt an opening of jubilation in the midst of their tears. “Praise the Lord,” they sighed, “he’s ours!”

How does this moment in the story relate to the theme of how to treat strangers?

• a.       It shows that the drowned man is a complete stranger who has no ties to anyone living.

• b.      It shows that the women feel confused about the drowned man.

• c.       It shows that the men want more information about the drowned man.

• d.      It shows that the women are free to claim the drowned man as part of their community.

Read the following excerpt from “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World.”

At the final moment it pained them to return him to the waters as an orphan and they chose a father and mother from among the best people. . .

What inference can you make about the villagers’ action?

• a.       They return the drowned man to the water because he has caused them pain.

   

• b.      They publicly adopt the drowned man by appointing a mother and father for him.

• c.       They think the drowned man came from an important family.

• d. They are united in their dislike of orphans.

At the end of the story, the villagers imagine that in the future, people passing in ships will point out “Esteban’s village.” Why do they refer to the village this way?’

 

• a.       The village has always been known by this name.

• b.      The experience with the drowned man has transformed the village.

• c.       The village is famous for its sunflowers and roses.

• d.      Esteban was a famous sailor, and many people knew of him.

Which sentence contains an example of hyperbole?

• a.       The calm ocean became dangerously rough as the storm approached.

• b.      Her eyes opened as wide as the sky when she heard the news.

• c.       I told my friend that his sense of humor reminded me of a famous comedian.

• d.      Snow falls very quietly on a windless night deep in winter.

What role does hyperbole play in the following sentence?

Mariana wrote several drafts that went on forever before she was satisfied with the poem.

• a.       It emphasizes that Mariana is hardworking and persistent.

• b.      It emphasizes Mariana’s great talent for writing poetry.

• c.       It emphasizes the idea that some people don’t enjoy writing.

• d.      It emphasizes the fact that Mariana’s poem is far too long.

Nadia is writing an essay about “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World.” Read the sentence from her essay.

When the men return from the neighboring villages, they were tired.

Which revision of the sentence is correct?

• a.       When the men return from the neighboring villages, they are tired.

• b.      When the men returned from the neighboring villages, they are tired.

Marcus is summarizing part of “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World.” Read the sentences from his summary.

The women of the village mourn Esteban as they wash his dead body. They worked together to sew his new clothes.

Which revision of the sentences is correct?

• a.       The women of the village mourn Esteban as they wash his dead body. They works together to sew his new clothes.

• b.      The women of the village mourn Esteban as they wash his dead body. They work together to sew his new clothes.

• c.       The women of the village mourn Esteban as they washed his dead body. They worked together to sew his new clothes.

• d.      The women of the village mourned Esteban as they wash his dead body. They worked together to sew his new clothes.