Quiz: Where Is Here? by Joyce Carol Oates

What is the main conflict in the story?

• The father and mother argue about their children’s future

• A stranger revisits his childhood home, unsettling the current family

• The son and daughter want to move to a new house

• The mother wants to sell the house against the father’s wishes

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which of the following best describes the stranger’s behavior?

• Cheerful and carefree

• Nervous and unsettling

• Cold and unfriendly

• Logical and persuasive

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What theme is most strongly conveyed in the story?

• Childhood dreams always shape adulthood

• The past cannot be revisited without consequence

• Kindness will always be rewarded

• Families should never allow visitors into their homes

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why does the mother eventually invite the stranger inside?

• She thinks he is wealthy

• She feels pity for him

• She wants to prove the house is beautiful

• She recognizes him from her past

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the effect of the father’s comment, “I hate riddles—they’re moronic some of the time and obscure the rest of the time”?

• It shows the father's frustration and confusion, highlighting the story's theme of uncertainty and the unknown.

• It demonstrates the father's love for riddles and puzzles.

• It reveals the father's excitement about solving mysteries.

• It indicates the father's indifference to the situation.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which figurative language device is used in describing the chandelier’s lights dispersing shadows “like ragged ghosts”?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The stranger’s request to see the basement at the end of the story most likely symbolizes:

• His desire to hide from the family

• A deeper exploration of hidden memories and trauma

• His interest in the family’s belongings

• His need for a private place to rest

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

The tone of the story can best be described as:

• Warm and nostalgic

• Uneasy and suspenseful

• Optimistic and uplifting

• Humorous and playful

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What inference can be made about the stranger’s past?

• He had a happy childhood in the house

• He suffered disturbing or traumatic experiences there

• His family sold the house because they were wealthy

• He wanted to return to live in the house permanently

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CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does the father’s reaction to the stranger suggest about his personality?

• He is reckless and carefree

• He is cautious and protective of his family

• He is open-minded and trusting

• He is rude and cruel

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3