"The Censors" and "There Will Come Soft Rains" Review

In “The Censors”, why does Juan take a job with the censorship division?

• He feels he has particular skills for the work.
• He wants to work from the inside to disrupt the entire system.
• He hopes to intercept his letter to Mariana by working on the inside.
• He wants to promote the Government’s efforts to control opposition.

In “The Censors” why does Juan report the co-worker who tries to organize a strike?

• He believes strikes are illegal.
• In his desire to keep his job, he thinks it will serve his own best interests to report it.
• He disagrees with the man’s reasons for the proposed strike.

In “The Censors” what is the author implying through Juan’s absorption in his work?

• Modern day workers are workaholics and should lead more balanced lives.
• It’s good to be devoted to your job.
• People can get carried away by ideas or actions and not realize what they are doing.
• Censorship takes concentration and dedication. 4

Which of the following universal themes is addressed in “The Censors”? I. greed II. censorship III. power IV. ambition

• I and III
• II and III
• II and IV
• III and IV

Which of the following questions states the author’s message in “The Censors”?

• Could a person who objects to a system really become a part of that system?
• Is there a place in the world where letters are censored in the same way?
• What countries practice corporal punishment?

In “The Censors” Juan had an ulterior motive for getting a job as a censor because

• he did not state why he really wanted the job.
• it was his last chance.
• he lied about his skills.
• he disapproved of the censorship process.

What can the reader infer about the McClellan family based on the way their house is programmed?

• They live in a quiet, orderly life.
• They are active in politics.
• Both parents have full-time jobs.
• Mrs. McClellan is blind.

"There Will Come Soft Rains" is told from what point of view?

• an omniscient observer.
• the cleaning robot mice.
• a human survivor
• the main program of the house

Which of the following phrases from the story evokes cleanliness, order and warmth?

• “Glasses manifested on an oaken bench…”
• “The garden sprinklers whirled up in golden founts…”
• “…a whirl of sparks leaped up the chimney.”
• “…rain…falling upon the summer-starched grass.”

What mood is created by a setting in which all domestic functions are performed by machines and none by human beings?

• cheerful and exhilarating
• repulsive and horrifying
• homey and reassuring
• impersonal and chilling