English Short Story Test! Trivia Questions Quiz

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Tkramer
T
Tkramer
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 404
Questions: 25 | Attempts: 404

SettingsSettingsSettings
English Short Story Test! Trivia Questions Quiz - Quiz


Do you know about short stories, and would you be able to pass this quiz? This quiz is all about “A Father’s Story” and “Dreams of Distant Lives. ” You will have to answer queries like who the main character in “A Father’s Story” is, what the story structure looks like for “Dreams of Distant Lives,” why characters are often unnamed, and which story is not in 3rd limited. Good luck with this quiz.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What are the four elements of exposition?

    • A.

      Who, what, where, when, why

    • B.

      Who, what, where

    • C.

      Who, what, where, when, possible foreshadow

    • D.

      Possible foreshadow

    Correct Answer
    C. Who, what, where, when, possible foreshadow
    Explanation
    The correct answer is who, what, where, when, possible foreshadow. In exposition, these elements are used to provide essential information to the audience or readers about the characters, setting, and events of a story. The "who" refers to the characters involved, the "what" describes the main events or conflict, the "where" indicates the setting or location, the "when" specifies the time period, and the "possible foreshadow" hints at future events or developments in the story. These elements help establish the foundation of the narrative and engage the audience by setting up the story's context and potential outcomes.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    What are the four elements of exposition?

    • A.

      Who, what, where, when, why

    • B.

      Who, what, where

    • C.

      Who, what, where, when, possible foreshadow

    • D.

      Possible foreshadow

    Correct Answer
    C. Who, what, where, when, possible foreshadow
    Explanation
    The four elements of exposition are who, what, where, when, and possible foreshadow. These elements are essential in setting up the background information and context of a story or narrative. The "who" refers to the characters or individuals involved, the "what" refers to the main events or actions taking place, the "where" indicates the location or setting, and the "when" specifies the time or period in which the story occurs. Additionally, the inclusion of possible foreshadowing adds depth and hints at future events or developments in the narrative.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    What is the main character named in 'A Father's Story'?

    • A.

      Linc Rider

    • B.

      Charlie Gordon

    • C.

      You never learn his name

    • D.

      Luke Ripley

    Correct Answer
    D. Luke Ripley
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Luke Ripley. This can be inferred from the question which asks for the main character's name in 'A Father's Story'. Since Luke Ripley is one of the options provided, it can be concluded that he is the main character in the story.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What is the main character named in 'A Father's Story'?

    • A.

      Linc Rider

    • B.

      Charlie Gordon

    • C.

      You never learn his name

    • D.

      Luke Ripley

    Correct Answer
    D. Luke Ripley
    Explanation
    In the story 'A Father's Story', the main character is named Luke Ripley.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    What does the story structure look like for 'Dreams of Distant lives'?

    • A.

      A spiral

    • B.

      A narritive arc

    • C.

      Traditional story mountain

    • D.

      A horizontal line

    Correct Answer
    A. A spiral
    Explanation
    A spiral is a metaphorical representation of the story structure in "Dreams of Distant Lives." Unlike a traditional narrative arc or story mountain, a spiral suggests a non-linear progression. It implies that the story may circle back to certain themes or events, creating a sense of repetition or interconnectedness. This structure could indicate that the story explores different perspectives or dimensions of the characters' lives, allowing for a more complex and multi-layered narrative.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    What does the story structure look like for 'Dreams of Distant lives'?

    • A.

      A spiral

    • B.

      A narritive arc

    • C.

      Traditional story mountain

    • D.

      A horizontal line

    Correct Answer
    A. A spiral
    Explanation
    The story structure of 'Dreams of Distant Lives' is depicted as a spiral. This implies that the narrative does not follow a linear progression, but rather circles back and revisits certain themes or events. The spiral structure allows for a more complex and layered storytelling approach, as it intertwines different elements and perspectives throughout the narrative. This structure may also suggest a sense of cyclical nature or repetition in the story, highlighting the interconnectedness of different characters or plotlines.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Why is a character not often named?

    • A.

      Because they don't knwo who they are

    • B.

      So the story can apply to anyone

    • C.

      Because then it has more anomaly

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    Characters are not often named because the readers or viewers may not know who they are, allowing them to relate to the story more easily. By not giving a specific name, the character becomes more universal, and the story can apply to anyone. Additionally, not naming the character adds a sense of mystery and anomaly to the story, making it more intriguing for the audience.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Why is a character not often named?

    • A.

      Because they don't knwo who they are

    • B.

      So the story can apply to anyone

    • C.

      Because then it has more anomaly

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    A character may not often be named because the author wants them to be relatable to a wide range of readers. By not giving the character a specific name, readers can project themselves onto the character and feel a stronger connection to the story. Additionally, leaving the character unnamed can add a sense of mystery or ambiguity to their identity, making the story more intriguing. Therefore, all of the given reasons are possible explanations for why a character is not often named.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    Which story of the following is NOT in 3rd limited?

    • A.

      The Most Dangerous Game

    • B.

      The Necklace

    • C.

      Flowers for Algernon

    • D.

      The Pedestrian

    Correct Answer
    C. Flowers for Algernon
    Explanation
    The story "Flowers for Algernon" is not in 3rd limited because it is written in the form of progress reports from the perspective of the main character, Charlie Gordon. This means that the reader has access to Charlie's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which is characteristic of 1st person point of view. In contrast, 3rd limited point of view would restrict the narration to an external perspective, focusing on a single character's thoughts and experiences without directly accessing their inner thoughts.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Which story of the following is NOT in 3rd limited?

    • A.

      The Most Dangerous Game

    • B.

      The Necklace

    • C.

      Flowers for Algernon

    • D.

      The Pedestrian

    Correct Answer
    C. Flowers for Algernon
    Explanation
    Flowers for Algernon is not in 3rd limited because it is written in the form of progress reports and diary entries from the perspective of the main character, Charlie Gordon. This allows the reader to have direct access to Charlie's thoughts and emotions, making it a first-person narrative rather than a third-person limited perspective.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', why is the time, 1882, important?

    • A.

      The author wanted it to be then

    • B.

      Many of the story elements, such as the reaction to her disease and her realationship with her husband, reflect the time

    • C.

      Really important events happened then that would cause a person to go insane.

    • D.

      Yellow wallpaper was really popular.

    Correct Answer
    B. Many of the story elements, such as the reaction to her disease and her realationship with her husband, reflect the time
    Explanation
    The time, 1882, is important in "The Yellow Wallpaper" because many of the story elements, such as the reaction to the protagonist's disease and her relationship with her husband, reflect the societal norms and beliefs of that era. By setting the story in 1882, the author is able to explore the oppressive nature of the time period, particularly in regards to women's mental health and their role in society. The historical context adds depth and authenticity to the story, highlighting the challenges faced by women during that time.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', why is the time, 1882, important?

    • A.

      The author wanted it to be then

    • B.

      Many of the story elements, such as the reaction to her disease and her realationship with her husband, reflect the time

    • C.

      Really important events happened then that would cause a person to go insane.

    • D.

      Yellow wallpaper was really popular.

    Correct Answer
    B. Many of the story elements, such as the reaction to her disease and her realationship with her husband, reflect the time
    Explanation
    The time, 1882, is important in "The Yellow Wallpaper" because many of the story elements, such as the reaction to the protagonist's disease and her relationship with her husband, are influenced by the societal norms and expectations of that era. By setting the story in 1882, the author is able to explore themes of gender roles, mental health, and the oppression of women during that time period. The historical context adds depth and meaning to the story, allowing readers to understand the protagonist's experiences within the constraints of her society.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    In 'A Worn Path', how is Pheonix a pheonix?

    • A.

      She is, in a way, immortal becuase she passes on her knowledge to her grandson and is really old

    • B.

      She is a big, mythical bird

    • C.

      She is able to heal her grandson, although not with her tears

    • D.

      She can live forever, literally she can. FOREVER!

    Correct Answer
    A. She is, in a way, immortal becuase she passes on her knowledge to her grandson and is really old
    Explanation
    The answer suggests that Phoenix is a phoenix in the sense that she is immortal because she passes on her knowledge to her grandson and is very old. The term "phoenix" is often associated with immortality and rebirth, as the mythical bird is said to rise from its own ashes. In the story "A Worn Path," Phoenix's resilience and ability to endure challenges can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the phoenix's immortality. Additionally, her passing on knowledge to her grandson can be seen as a way of ensuring her legacy and immortality through the continuation of her wisdom.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    In 'A Worn Path', how is Pheonix a pheonix?

    • A.

      She is, in a way, immortal becuase she passes on her knowledge to her grandson and is really old

    • B.

      She is a big, mythical bird

    • C.

      She is able to heal her grandson, although not with her tears

    • D.

      She can live forever, literally she can. FOREVER!

    Correct Answer
    A. She is, in a way, immortal becuase she passes on her knowledge to her grandson and is really old
    Explanation
    In the story "A Worn Path," Phoenix is referred to as a phoenix in a metaphorical sense. A phoenix is a mythical bird that is known to be immortal as it is reborn from its ashes. Similarly, Phoenix is depicted as being immortal because she passes on her wisdom and knowledge to her grandson, symbolizing the continuation of life and wisdom through generations. Additionally, her old age also reinforces the idea of her immortality, as she has survived and persevered through many hardships over the years.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    What type of key literary term is in 'The Red Masque of Death'?

    • A.

      Antecedent

    • B.

      Dialouge

    • C.

      Figurative language

    • D.

      Allusion

    Correct Answer
    D. Allusion
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "allusion." In literature, an allusion refers to a reference made to a well-known person, event, or work of art. In the case of "The Red Masque of Death," the title itself is an allusion to Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Masque of the Red Death." By using this allusion, the author creates a connection between the two stories and invites readers to draw comparisons and analyze the themes and symbolism present in both works.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    What type of key literary term is in 'The Red Masque of Death'?

    • A.

      Antecedent

    • B.

      Dialouge

    • C.

      Figurative language

    • D.

      Allusion

    Correct Answer
    D. Allusion
    Explanation
    The correct answer is allusion because "The Red Masque of Death" is a literary work that makes a reference to another literary work or historical event.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    Hypothesize what happens to Charlie at the end of 'Flowers for Algernon'?

    • A.

      He becomes a world renowned genius

    • B.

      He dies

    • C.

      He turn into a mouse

    • D.

      He becmoes just as un-intelligent as he was before

    Correct Answer
    B. He dies
    Explanation
    At the end of 'Flowers for Algernon', Charlie dies. This can be inferred from the fact that the story is written in the form of progress reports by Charlie himself, and the last report is written in a different style, indicating a decline in his mental abilities. Additionally, the story explores themes of the fleeting nature of intelligence and the tragic consequences of tampering with human intelligence, further supporting the idea of Charlie's demise.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    What story is Cathy, and un-named protagonist, Tyrone, Terry, Grandma, and Granpa Cain in?

    • A.

      To Build a Fire

    • B.

      Nobody's Business

    • C.

      The Pedestrian

    • D.

      Blues Ain't No Mockingbird

    Correct Answer
    D. Blues Ain't No Mockingbird
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird." This is evident from the question which asks about the story that Cathy, the unnamed protagonist, Tyrone, Terry, Grandma, and Grandpa Cain are in. Therefore, the story they are in is "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird."

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    What story is Cathy, and un-named protagonist, Tyrone, Terry, Grandma, and Granpa Cain in?

    • A.

      To Build a Fire

    • B.

      Nobody's Business

    • C.

      The Pedestrian

    • D.

      Blues Ain't No Mockingbird

    Correct Answer
    D. Blues Ain't No Mockingbird
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird." This is evident from the list of characters mentioned in the question, including Cathy, an unnamed protagonist, Tyrone, Terry, Grandma, and Grandpa Cain. These characters are all part of the story "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird," making it the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    What are three elements of exposition in 'Thank You Ma'am'?

    • A.

      11 o'clock, at night, a woman

    • B.

      Night, a woman and a boy, purse breaks

    • C.

      11 o'clock at night, a woman and a boy, boy tries to steal but then she takes him back to her house

    • D.

      11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy, boy tires to steal but fails

    Correct Answer
    D. 11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy, boy tires to steal but fails
    Explanation
    The three elements of exposition in 'Thank You Ma'am' are 11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy, and the boy's failed attempt to steal. These elements establish the setting and characters of the story, as well as introduce the conflict that drives the plot forward. The mention of the specific time and the darkness of night create a sense of tension and danger. The presence of a woman and a boy suggests a potential relationship between them. The boy's failed attempt to steal sets up the central conflict and sets the story in motion.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    What are three elements of exposition in 'Thank You Ma'am'?

    • A.

      11 o'clock, at night, a woman

    • B.

      Night, a woman and a boy, purse breaks

    • C.

      11 o'clock at night, a woman and a boy, boy tries to steal but then she takes him back to her house

    • D.

      11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy, boy tires to steal but fails

    Correct Answer
    D. 11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy, boy tires to steal but fails
    Explanation
    The three elements of exposition in 'Thank You Ma'am' are 11 o'clock, at night, a woman and a boy. These elements help to establish the setting and characters in the story. The mention of the specific time and the woman and boy being out at night suggests that something unexpected or unusual might happen. The fact that the boy tries to steal but fails adds tension and conflict to the story, setting up the events that will unfold later on.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    In 'To Build a Fire' what does the man dying and the dog living simply?

    • A.

      Dogs are better than cats

    • B.

      People are dumb

    • C.

      Ultimitely, our animal insticts work the best in a situation in the wilderness

    • D.

      People need to have things like pads on our feet and a hairy coat like animals do

    Correct Answer
    C. Ultimitely, our animal insticts work the best in a situation in the wilderness
    Explanation
    The man dying and the dog living in "To Build a Fire" simply suggests that in a situation in the wilderness, our animal instincts work the best. The man's inability to survive despite his intelligence and preparation highlights the importance of relying on primal instincts and adapting to the harsh environment. The dog, on the other hand, being more attuned to its instincts, is able to navigate the wilderness successfully. This emphasizes the idea that humans, despite their advancements, are ultimately subject to the laws of nature and must respect and understand their animal instincts in order to survive in such situations.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    In 'The Bet', why did the author choose to have the two characters be a lawyer and a banker?

    • A.

      A lawyer more often deals with death penalty cases and bankers like to kill people.

    • B.

      Lawyers adn banker often make bets

    • C.

      Bankers have a lot of money that they can use to gamble, so the story seems plausible.

    • D.

      Lawyers mostly deal with people and they might have encountered a case where the death penalty was used unfairly and bankers are sterotypically colder and just deal with money

    Correct Answer
    D. Lawyers mostly deal with people and they might have encountered a case where the death penalty was used unfairly and bankers are sterotypically colder and just deal with money
    Explanation
    The author chose to have the two characters be a lawyer and a banker because lawyers mostly deal with people and they might have encountered a case where the death penalty was used unfairly. On the other hand, bankers are stereotypically colder and just deal with money. This contrast in their professions adds depth to the story and creates an interesting dynamic between the characters.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    In 'To Build a Fire' what does the man dying and the dog livin gimply?

    • A.

      Dogs are better than cats

    • B.

      People are dumb

    • C.

      Ultimitely, our animal insticts work the best in a situation in the wilderness

    • D.

      People need to have things like pads on our feet and a hairy coat like animals do

    Correct Answer
    C. Ultimitely, our animal insticts work the best in a situation in the wilderness
    Explanation
    The given answer suggests that ultimately, our animal instincts work best in a wilderness situation. This means that the man's failure to survive and the dog's ability to survive can be attributed to their respective instincts. The man, being a human, may have relied too much on his intelligence and underestimated the harshness of the wilderness, while the dog, being an animal, instinctively knew how to survive in such conditions.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    In 'The Bet', why did the author choose to have the two characters be a lawyer and a banker?

    • A.

      A lawyer more often deals with death penalty cases and bankers like to kill people.

    • B.

      Lawyers adn banker often make bets

    • C.

      Bankers have a lot of money that they can use to gamble, so the story seems plausible.

    • D.

      Lawyers mostly deal with people and they might have encountered a case where the death penalty was used unfairly and bankers are sterotypically colder and just deal with money

    Correct Answer
    D. Lawyers mostly deal with people and they might have encountered a case where the death penalty was used unfairly and bankers are sterotypically colder and just deal with money
    Explanation
    The author chose to have the two characters be a lawyer and a banker because lawyers often deal with people and may have encountered cases where the death penalty was used unfairly. On the other hand, bankers are stereotypically portrayed as colder individuals who primarily deal with money. This contrast in professions helps to highlight the different perspectives and values of the characters, adding depth to the story.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 10, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Tkramer
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.