Week 2 Quiz - Grade 10

1.     Read the following excerpt from “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?

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

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

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

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

Which detail in the story named " The Handsomest Drowned Man in The World" helps develop its theme of ideal masculinity?

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

• The drowned man is given the name Esteban.

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

• 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?

• He causes them to neglect their daily work.

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

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

• 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?

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

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

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

• 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?

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

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

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

• They are united in their dislike of orphans.