"Dark They Were" reading questions

What is the Bittering family adjusting to in the story?

• Life on the Moon

• Life on Mars

• Life on Venus

• Life on Jupiter

What sound did the rocket make as it cooled in the meadow winds?

• A loud bang

• A soft hum

• A bulging pop

• A gentle whistle

How did the man feel as he stood in the Martian meadow?

• Relaxed and calm

• Excited and joyful

• His hair fluttered and his body felt drawn tight

• Sleepy and tired

What did the man’s wife ask him?

• "Are you happy?"

• "What's wrong?"

• "Do you like it here?"

• "Is everything okay?"

What does the word "convivial" mean as used in the text?

• Sad and lonely

• Enjoying the company of others

• Angry and frustrated

• Quiet and reserved

What feeling does the author create about the setting in paragraphs 8-13?

• Excitement and adventure

• Fear and unease

• Joy and happiness

• Boredom and monotony

What does Mr. Bittering feel like, according to paragraph 15?

• A mountain stream

• A salt crystal

• A Martian

• A warm hearth

What does Mr. Bittering suggest they do in paragraph 16?

• Build a new home on Mars

• Buy tickets to return to Earth

• Explore the Martian hills

• Wait for Earth to be fixed

What event is referred to in the footnote about the "atom bomb"?

• The end of World War I

• The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

• The launch of the first Mars mission

• The discovery of a new planet

What did Mr. Bittering declare about the future of Mars?

• There will be no Earthmen on Mars.

• There will be a million Earthmen on Mars.

• The Martians will invade Earth.

• Mars will remain uninhabited.