The Stranger and Lightning Rods

In Herman Melville's 'The Lightning Rod Man,' a stranger arrives at a cottage during a thunderstorm, offering to sell lightning rods. The host and the stranger engage in a debate about safety during storms, with the stranger insisting on the dangers of the hearth and the benefits of his rods. The host remains skeptical, leading to a confrontation. The story explores themes of fear, safety, and skepticism.

What is the setting of the story when the stranger arrives?

• A sunny day in the city

• A calm night in the countryside

• A thunderstorm in the mountains

• A windy afternoon by the sea

How does the narrator initially describe the stranger?

• A cheerful and friendly man

• A lean and gloomy figure

• A short and timid individual

• A tall and muscular person

What is the stranger's profession?

• A wandering musician

• A local farmer

• A traveling salesman of lightning rods

• A retired school teacher

According to the stranger, what is the most dangerous part of a house during a thunderstorm?

• The attic

• The fireplace

• The front door

• The basement

What does the stranger claim about his copper rods compared to iron rods?

• They are harder to install

• They are better conductors

• They are less effective

• They are more expensive

What precaution does the stranger take when traveling during thunderstorms?

• He carries an umbrella

• He walks quickly

• He wears rubber boots

• He avoids tall men

How does the narrator feel about the stranger's warnings and advice?

• He is frightened and follows them

• He is skeptical and dismisses them

• He is confused and unsure

• He is grateful and appreciative

What does the narrator do with the stranger's lightning rod?

• He breaks it

• He ignores it

• He installs it

• He buys it

What is the narrator's ultimate stance on the stranger's claims?

• He rejects the stranger's claims

• He is convinced by the stranger

• He believes the stranger completely

• He is indifferent to the stranger

What does the narrator read in the rainbow at the end of the story?

• A sign of impending danger

• A message of peace from the deity

• A warning to buy a lightning rod

• A promise of more storms