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 trying to create a calm mood that is appropriate for the conflict.
He is setting the stage for a flashback into Fred Collins' childhood.
He is contrasting the horror of war with the beauty of nature.
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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 rider loses control of his horse team when one of them is injured.
An officer rides past his men while holding his detached right arm in his left hand.
A soldier with no shoes cuts his feet on sharp rocks while running away from battle.
A beautiful meadow is destroyed by artillery shells.
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Which character trait is NOT displayed by Fred Collins of A company?
He is courageous.
He is stubborn.
He is proud.
He is cunning.
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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?
The captain orders Collins to go.
The men are depending on Collins.
Collins is taking an unnecessary risk.
Collins was afraid before he went on the mission.
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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?
There are no heroes in war.
Heroes are born with exceptional qualities.
Any reckless fool can be a hero.
Every soldier who fights is a hero.
Not everyone is cut out to 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."
Understatement
Alliteration
Hyperbole
Simile
Metaphor
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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 helps the wounded officer.
Collins fills up the bucket.
Collins speaks with the Captain.
The other soldiers tease Collins.
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If this story were to continue, which event would be most likely to occur next?
Collins would be promoted to general.
The lieutenant would refill the bucket.
The men would continue teasing Collins.
Collins would go back to the well to get more water.
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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 other soldiers doubted Collins but he succeeded.
Collins didn't feel like a hero, but he did a heroic thing.
The water gets spilled before any of the men can drink it.
The officer that Collins helped was fighting for the other side.
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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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