Reading Literature Standards

1A: In paragraph 9, what does the phrase a desire not to appear green suggest about George?

• that he wants to appear healthy and energetic

• that he wants other people to think he is clever and mature

• that he wants to be well-mannered throughout his trip

• that he wants other people to learn from his high moral standards

1B: Which quotation provides evidence that contradicts the answer to Part A (1)?

• “All through his boyhood and young manhood George Willard had been in the habit of walking on Trunion Pike.” (paragraph 4)

• “Tom Willard carried his bag. The son had become taller than the father.” (paragraph 6)

• “On the station platform everyone shook the young man’s hand.” (paragraph 7)

• “One looking at him would not have thought him particularly sharp.” (paragraph 13)

2A: Which statement describes George’s interaction with the townspeople in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the story?

• The townspeople wish George well, but their attention makes him uncomfortable.

• The townspeople eagerly await George’s departure, and he is glad to be seeking new adventures elsewhere.

• The townspeople support George’s ambitions, and he resolves to fulfill their hopes for him.

• The townspeople and George will miss each other, but he is comforted by their heartfelt goodbyes.

2B: Select one quotation from paragraph 7 and one quotation from paragraph 8 that best support the answer to Part A.

• “Then they talked of their own affairs.” (paragraph 7)

• “Even Will Henderson, who was lazy and often slept until nine, had got out of bed.” (paragraph 7)

• “In two words she voiced what everyone felt. ‘Good luck,’ she said sharply and then turning went on her way.” (paragraph 7)

• “Helen White came running along Main Street hoping to have a parting word with him, but he had found a seat and did not see her.” (paragraph 8)

3A: Which statement best describes a central theme of the story?

• Leaving home is a common rite of passage that can be marked by a variety of emotions.

• People who choose to pursue a new life elsewhere can cause resentment in those who stay behind.

• Leaving familiar surroundings can prompt one to place added importance on family and friends.

• Major life changes are generally accompanied by a focus on important events in one’s life.

4A: Which two statements from the passage provides the best support for the answer to Part A?

• "George crept past the cot and went out into the silent deserted main street (paragraph 2)

• "All through his boyhood and young manhood George Willard had been in the habit of walking on Trunion Pike." (paragraph 4)

• "Hey, you George. How does it feel to be going away?" they asked." (paragraph 4)

• "Tom had seen a thousand George Willards go out of their towns to the city (paragraph 8)

• "The young man's mind was carried away by his growing passion for dreams." (paragraph 13)

5A: Early in the morning he plans to leave, how does George feel about his upcoming departure?

• He is confident about his future success.

• He is regretting the decision to leave.

• He is nervous about leaving.

• He is thrilled about his future plans.

5B: Which sentence from the passage provides the best evidence to support the answer in Part A?

• “Young George Willard got out of bed at four in the morning.”

• “George came downstairs into the hotel office carrying a brown leather bag.”

• “Since two o’clock he had been awake thinking of the journey he was about to take and wondering what he would find at the end of his journey.”

• “George crept past the cot and went out into the silent deserted main street.”

6A: What is the significance of the fact that townspeople have come to the train station to see George off?

• It emphasizes that many Winesburg residents think George will find success in the city.

• It suggests that to most people of Winesburg, the chance to witness someone leaving is unusual.

• It implies that George will stay in touch with those he leaves behind in Winesburg.

• It shows that Winesburg residents disapprove of George’s choice.

6B: Based on the passage, which character has a different perspective on George’s departure?

• Tom Little, the train conductor who is familiar with the many small towns along his route

• Gertrude Wilmot, who works at the local post office handling the mail of the small town

• Tom Willard, the father who gives advice on how to handle oneself once in the city

• Will Henderson, the resident who appears lazy and unmotivated