"The Country of the Blind" Quiz

1. According to the introductory paragraphs of “The Country of the Blind,” how did the mysterious mountain valley first become cut off from the rest of civilization?

• A landslide blocked it in.
• Disease kept people away.
• Avalanches built a snow barrier.
• The inhabitants walled themselves off.

2. In “The Country of the Blind,” how does Nunez manage to end up in the Country of the Blind?

• He is searching for the fabled land with a group of mountaineers.
• He meets a purblind mountaineer from the lost valley.
• He accidentally falls down a mountain into a ravine.
• He loses his way during a journey to Quito.

3. The Dutch philosopher Erasmus collected proverbs, including the one that is repeated in “The Country of the Blind”: “In the Country of the Blind the One eyed Man is King.” How does author H. G. Wells use this old proverb in the story?

• to reveal to Nunez the glories of the valley vistas
• to explain to Nunez what the valley residents believe
• to remind Nunez that there is a world outside the valley
• to suggest to Nunez his superiority to the valley-dwellers

4. What are two failed attempts that Nunez makes to prove that he can see in “The Country of the Blind”? Choose two options.

• He tells the people what colors their doors are painted.
• He tries to predict when Pedro will come down the path.
• He carefully describes the cavernous roof of the universe.
• He offers to explain what is happening among the houses.
• He reads aloud the book that he brought with him in his pack.

5. Why does Nunez agree to the eye operation in “The Country of the Blind”?

• He wants to be more like his fellow villagers.
• He has learned to rely on his other senses.
• He wishes to marry Medina-saroté.
• He hopes to regain his sanity.

6. What is the most likely meaning of delusions in the following sentence? Chris has never taken ballet lessons, but she still has delusions about getting a leading role in this year’s performance of The Nutcracker.

• false beliefs
• definite plans
• strong doubts
• uncertain opinions

7. Which word best expresses the meaning of incoherent in the following sentence? The shock of the accident left David incoherent, and it was several minutes before we could understand what he was saying.

• unintelligible
• astounded
• wounded
• alert

8. If a teacher experiences perplexity when a student asks a question, which of the following is most likely true? Base your answer on the meaning of perplexity.

• The teacher is eager to give the student an answer.
• The teacher is puzzled about how to respond to the student.
• The teacher is upset that the student has interrupted the lesson.
• The teacher is worried because the student does not understand.

9. Part A In “The Country of the Blind,” what is the main reason that the people of the valley do not believe Nunez when he tries to explain the world of sighted humans?

• It is clear to them that Nunez is trying to trick them into giving him what he needs.
• Nunez has an unconvincing way of presenting his ideas about the world to them.
• Their leaders have provided them with a different interpretation of the world.
• They refuse to think that anything in the outside world can help them.

10. Read this excerpt from “The Country of the Blind.” At that he stood up smiling. He would show these people once and for all what sight would do for a man. They would seek him, but not find him.“You move not, Bogota,” said the voice. He laughed noiselessly, and made two stealthy steps aside from the path. “Trample not on the grass, Bogota; that is not allowed.”Nunez had scarcely heard the sound he made himself. He stopped amazed. Why is Nunez (Bogota) so amazed?

• The villagers will not leave him alone.
• The villagers learn quickly about sight.
• The villagers possess remarkable hearing.
• The villagers have strict rules about everything.