A Mystery of Heroism
Stephen Crane
Reading Activity
Which best explains why the author includes the following sentence from the fourth paragraph?
"Sometimes they of the infantry looked down at a fair little meadow which spread at their feet. Its long, green grass was rippling gently in a breeze."
He is foreshadowing how all of the infantrymen will be buried in this field.
He is setting the stage for a flashback into Fred Collins' childhood.
He is contrasting the horror of war with the beauty of nature.
He is trying to create a calm mood that is appropriate for the conflict.
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Why do you believe this? Refer to the text to support your response.
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The narrator describes each of the following EXCEPT which?
A beautiful meadow is destroyed by artillery shells.
An officer rides past his men while holding his detached right arm in his left hand.
A rider loses control of his horse team when one of them is injured.
A soldier with no shoes cuts his feet on sharp rocks while running away from battle.
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Which character trait is NOT displayed by Fred Collins of A company?
He is cunning.
He is courageous.
He is stubborn.
He is proud.
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Why do you believe that this character trait cannot be applied to him? Refer to the text in your answer.
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Which provides the greatest motivation for Collins to get the water?
He wants to draw enemy fire away from the wounded officer.
He help the other men regain their fighting spirit.
He does not want to be teased by the other soldiers.
He will die of thirst if he does not get a drink soon.
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Why do you believe that this is his greatest motivation? Use the text in your response.
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Which of the following statements about Collins' mission is TRUE?
Collins was afraid before he went on the mission.
Collins is taking an unnecessary risk.
The men are depending on Collins.
The captain orders Collins to go.
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Why do you believe that this is true? Use the text in your response.
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What is the narrator trying to teach readers about heroism?
Every soldier who fights is a hero.
Heroes are born with exceptional qualities.
There are no heroes in war.
Not everyone is cut out to be a hero.
Any reckless fool can be a hero.
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How do you know that the narrator is trying to teach readers this lesson? Support your argument with evidence from the text.
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Which figurative language technique is used in the following sentence?
"He saw that, in this matter of the well, the canteens, the shells, he was an intruder in the land of fine deeds."
Alliteration
Metaphor
Simile
Hyperbole
Understatement
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How do you figure? Explain your answer in a complete sentence or two.
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Which event happens LAST?
Collins fills up the bucket.
The other soldiers tease Collins.
Collins helps the wounded officer.
Collins speaks with the Captain.
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If this story were to continue, which event would be most likely to occur next?
The lieutenant would refill the bucket.
Collins would go back to the well to get more water.
Collins would be promoted to general.
The men would continue teasing Collins.
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Why do you believe that this event would be the most likely to occur next? Refer to the text in your response.
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What is ironic about how the story ends?
The water gets spilled before any of the men can drink it.
The other soldiers doubted Collins but he succeeded.
The officer that Collins helped was fighting for the other side.
Collins didn't feel like a hero, but he did a heroic thing.
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How is this ironic? Explain the irony and refer to the text in your response.
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A Mystery of Heroism
By Stephen Crane
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