"Ruthless" by William de Mille

1.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

According to paragraph 2, what is the meaning of the term "grimly"?

harsh

embarrassed

concerned

serious

2.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What is the purpose of paragraph 1?

Paragraph 1 reveals the somber tone that will be revealed in the text.

Paragraph 1 presents the setting and how the atmosphere reflects the season.

Paragraph 1 details the revelation that will come to someone who is beyond ruthless to others.

Paragraph 1 gives a description of the characters that will evolve throughout the text.

3.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

In paragraph 2, the author states, "Not even his wife was allowed to have a key, for Judson Webb loved his personal possessions and felt a sense of deep outrage if they were touched by any hand but his own." What does this express about Judson's character?

This quote expresses the lack of understanding anyone has for Judson's prized possessions.

The quote details the nature of love Judson has towards his wife.

The quote expresses how serious and how possessive Judson is about his items.

The quote expresses the reason why Judson wants to eliminate anyone who touches his belongings.

4.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

Paragraph 10 states, "Her eyes narrowed as she watched him." What does this statement reveal about how she feels towards her husband?

She no longer wants to be around her husband.

She is indifferent about the nature of his actions.

She is worried about how his actions will affect their family.

She is very suspicious of what he attempting to do.

5.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

When he drops the tablets into the liquor, Judson states, "At least no one has found an antidote: once it’s down its curtains." Which of the following BEST expresses the meaning of the phrase "down its curtains"? **Look back at paragraph 14 to help you determine the meaning.**

To meet the end of the stage

To complete its journey

To reach its destination, in this case, throat to stomach

To make a new substance

6.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What punishment does Judson want to give the thief?

He wants to harm the thief

He wants to sympathize with the thief when he returns

He wishes to eliminate the thief for good

He wishes to welcome the thief into his home, as he is presenting liquor for the thief.

7.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What lesson does Judson present in paragraph 21?

Judson shows the nature of being a thief, no matter how minute, deserves punishment all the same.

Judson presents the idea that any thief can be forgiven.

Judson reveals that being a thief can have some consequences but should be dealt with differently.

Judson describes how thieves can change, just as he had in the past.

8.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What does paragraph 24 reveal about how Judson's wife feels at this point in the text?

Though she feels defeated initially, she begins to welcome the idea because she does not want to disappoint her husband.

Though she feels defeated by her husband's relentless actions to murder the thief, she has the desire to tell someone of his plan.

Though she feels unwelcome in her own home due to her husband's plan, she still feels the urge to encourage him to complete his mission.

Though she does not understand the nature of his actions, she still agrees with him in a non-verbal manner.

9.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

How does paragraph 27 escalate the demise of Judson?

Judson's fall reveals a small revelation that once he is conscious he has to drink something to be completely revived, which could lead to the drinking of the poisonous liquor.

Judson's fall reveals the truth about how a ruthless man can be poisoned with his own medicine.

Judson's fall reveals that true friends are always there to pick you up.

Judson's fall rapidly increases his death that will soon come.

10.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

The main character's name in this story is Judson Webb. The last name WEBB is great _________ because his plan for revenge hurts himself instead of someone else.

symbolism

exposition

simile

11.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

One of the themes for "Ruthless" is _______

Karma is real!

Love other people and they will love you.

Don't take vacation

12.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What is the setting of "Ruthless"?

a city in 1956

a vacation cabin in the woods during autumn

a rich man's house in a country town during a terrible snow storm

There is no settting

13.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

How does Judson Webb plan to get revenge?

poison

a gun

stealing the thief's money

14.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

Why does Judson want revenge?

Someone stole some of his liquor

Another man kissed his wife

His servant Alec lied to him about watching the place

15.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What type of irony is used in this story?

situational

verbal

dramatic

16.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What does vindictive mean? (Hint: Look in the story.)

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

having a simplistic and rough surface quality

having a quality or style that offers an extremely basic level of comfort

to drink cheerfully

17.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

How does the conversation between Judson and his wife develop the plot of the passage?

It prompts her to go warn Alec’s wife about the poison, which means she is not there to warn Alec about the poisoned whisky when Judson falls.

It causes her to tell Alec and his wife that her husband has poisoned the whiskey, encouraging Alec to retaliate against Judson.

It causes Judson to be distracted by his wife’s obvious distress and not pay attention when he falls or accepts the whiskey from Alec.

It prompts Judson to consider throwing out the poisoned whiskey, which he is unable to do before falling and unknowingly drinking it.

18.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

How does the resolution contribute to the theme of the passage?

It proves that it’s dangerous to take justice into your own hands.

It shows how paranoia can be deadly for some people.

It emphasizes how dangerous it can be to keep secrets from others.

It stresses the importance of always being aware of your surroundings.

19.

Multiple Choice

3 mins

1 pt

What is Marcia's MAIN conflict in the story?

a conflict of arguing with her husband

an external conflict with Alec about whether to murder her husband

a conflict concerning whether to make the trip to Alec's house

an internal conflict with her conscience about killing the thief

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