What is the name of the young writer who visits Hugh Morgan in the wilderness?
- William Harker
- John Smith
- Thomas Jefferson
- George Washington
Correct Answer: William Harker
Correct Answer Explanation: William Harker is the young writer who travels to the wilderness to study Hugh Morgan’s life for a fictional character. He becomes the primary witness at the inquest into Morgan’s death.
What is the name of the mysterious force that attacks Hugh Morgan and William Harker?
- The Shadow
- The Damned Thing
- The Beast
- The Unknown
Correct Answer: The Damned Thing
Correct Answer Explanation: The story’s title, “The Damned Thing,” refers to the mysterious, unseen force that attacks Morgan and Harker, leaving them terrified and with bizarre injuries.
What is the setting of the story?
- A dense forest in the American South
- A remote mountain range in the American West
- A bustling city in the American East
- An isolated island in the Pacific Ocean
Correct Answer: A remote mountain range in the American West
Correct Answer Explanation: The story is set in the wilderness of the American West, a place often associated with rugged individualism and encounters with the unknown. The setting adds to the sense of isolation and mystery surrounding the events of the story.
What is the name of the dog that is present during the events of the story?
- Spot
- Rover
- Jack
- Buster
Correct Answer: Jack
Correct Answer Explanation: Hugh Morgan’s dog, Jack, is described as becoming terrified of the “Damned Thing.” The dog’s reaction to the unseen force adds to the sense of dread and mystery in the story.
What is the name of the town where the inquest takes place?
- Deadwood
- Tombstone
- Dodge City
- Fort Worth
Correct Answer: Deadwood
Correct Answer Explanation: The inquest into Hugh Morgan’s death takes place in Deadwood, a town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The choice of Deadwood, a place known for its history of violence and lawlessness, reinforces the story’s themes of mystery and the unknown.
What is the name of the officer who conducts the inquest?
- Sheriff Cody
- Coroner Wilson
- Judge Smith
- Mr. Morgan
Correct Answer: Coroner Wilson
Correct Answer Explanation: Coroner Wilson is the official who conducts the inquest into Hugh Morgan’s death. His role is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and to determine the cause.
What is the nature of the injuries found on Hugh Morgan’s body?
- Gunshot wounds
- Stab wounds
- Bruises and lacerations
- A broken neck
Correct Answer: Bruises and lacerations
Correct Answer Explanation: The injuries found on Hugh Morgan’s body are described as being extensive and bizarre, including bruises and lacerations. The nature of the injuries suggests the involvement of a powerful force that can’t be easily explained.
What is the verdict of the jury at the inquest?
- Suicide
- Accidental death
- Murder
- Death by mountain lion
Correct Answer: Death by mountain lion
Correct Answer Explanation: The jury ultimately finds that Hugh Morgan’s death was caused by a mountain lion, despite the evidence presented by William Harker. The verdict reflects the jury’s struggle to reconcile the strange events with their understanding of the natural world.
What is the name of the bird that is described as being present at the scene of the attack?
- Crow
- Hawk
- Owl
- Eagle
Correct Answer: Hawk
Correct Answer Explanation: A hawk is described as being present at the scene of the attack on Hugh Morgan. The presence of the hawk further adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story and emphasizes the sense of the unknown.
What is the name of the type of rays that Bierce suggests are invisible to humans?
- Actinic rays
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
- Beta rays
Correct Answer: Actinic rays
Correct Answer Explanation: Bierce suggests that there are colors beyond the visible spectrum of light, which he calls “actinic rays,” and that these rays may be responsible for the “Damned Thing.” This idea adds to the sense of the unknown and the limits of human perception.
What is the name of the type of paper used by Hugh Morgan in his journal?
- Manifold paper
- Parchment
- Notepaper
- Typed paper
Correct Answer: Manifold paper
Correct Answer Explanation: Hugh Morgan uses a type of paper called “manifold paper” for his journal entries, a type of paper that allows for multiple copies to be made with a single writing. The use of this type of paper reinforces the idea that Morgan is a methodical and careful observer.
What type of candle is described as being used to illuminate the scene at night?
- Tallow candle
- Wax candle
- Electric light
- Gaslight
Correct Answer: Tallow candle
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the use of a “tallow candle” to illuminate the scene at night. This detail adds to the sense of time and place of the story, and it also reinforces the idea of a remote and isolated setting.
What is the name of the dense thicket of shrubs and small trees that is mentioned in the story?
- Chaparral
- Forest
- Jungle
- Meadow
Correct Answer: Chaparral
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions a “chaparral,” a dense thicket of shrubs and small trees, which is a common feature of the American West. The chaparral reinforces the sense of isolation and the challenge of navigating the unknown wilderness.
What is the name of the part of the brain that processes smells?
- Olfactory centre
- Auditory centre
- Visual centre
- Motor centre
Correct Answer: Olfactory centre
Correct Answer Explanation: Bierce refers to the “olfactory centre” of the brain, the part that processes smells. This detail highlights the importance of senses and their role in perceiving the world, especially when dealing with the unknown.
What is the name of the four-sided figure with four right angles?
- Quadrangle
- Triangle
- Circle
- Square
Correct Answer: Quadrangle
Correct Answer Explanation: Bierce uses the term “quadrangle” to describe the shape of a particular feature in the story. This seemingly mundane detail serves as a reminder that even the most familiar aspects of the world can be strange and unfamiliar when viewed through the lens of the unknown.
What is the name of the range of colors that make up sunlight?
- Solar spectrum
- Rainbow
- Aurora borealis
- Night sky
Correct Answer: Solar spectrum
Correct Answer Explanation: Bierce mentions the “solar spectrum” in reference to the colors of light. This detail reinforces the idea that there are things beyond the visible spectrum, and that our perception of the world is limited.
What is the name of the astronomical phenomenon that is described as being observed by Hugh Morgan?
- Stars disappearing behind a ridge
- A meteor shower
- A comet
- A solar eclipse
Correct Answer: Stars disappearing behind a ridge
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan observing stars disappearing behind a ridge, suggesting a passing object that he can’t see. This observation adds to the sense of the unknown and the possibility of things beyond human perception.
What is the name of the type of blood that has escaped from blood vessels?
- Extravasated blood
- Arterial blood
- Venous blood
- Capillary blood
Correct Answer: Extravasated blood
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the injuries on Hugh Morgan’s body as including “extravasated blood,” which is blood that has escaped from blood vessels. This detail adds to the graphic and unsettling nature of the story.
What is the name of the animal that is described as making a strange noise in the distance?
- Coyote
- Wolf
- Mountain lion
- Bear
Correct Answer: Coyote
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the sound of a coyote in the distance, adding to the sense of isolation and the threat of the unknown wilderness.
What is the name of the event where a group of people gather to formally inquire into the death of a person?
- Inquest
- Trial
- Hearing
- Investigation
Correct Answer: Inquest
Correct Answer Explanation: The story features an inquest into Hugh Morgan’s death, a formal inquiry conducted by a coroner or medical examiner. This event provides the framework for the story and allows for the exploration of the mysteries surrounding Morgan’s death.
What is the name of the creature that is described as being responsible for the strange sounds that are heard at night?
- A bird
- An insect
- A rodent
- A reptile
Correct Answer: An insect
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions strange sounds heard at night, which are attributed to insects. This detail reinforces the sense of the unknown and the challenge of understanding the natural world.
What is the name of the type of grass that is described as being found in abundance in the story’s setting?
- Wild oats
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
Correct Answer: Wild oats
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions “wild oats” growing in abundance in the setting. The mention of wild oats emphasizes the remoteness and wildness of the setting.
What is the name of the object that is described as being thrown from the sky by Hugh Morgan?
- A rock
- A stick
- A piece of wood
- A piece of metal
Correct Answer: A rock
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan throwing a rock into the air, which falls back to the ground and causes a strange sound. This action reinforces the theme of the unknown and the possibility of things beyond human comprehension.
What is the name of the object that is described as being used by Hugh Morgan to make a fire?
- A match
- A lighter
- A flint and steel
- A magnifying glass
Correct Answer: A match
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan using a match to start a fire. This seemingly simple detail highlights the dependence of humans on technology and the fragility of civilization in the face of the unknown.
What is the name of the location that is described as being a place of peace and beauty?
- A meadow
- A creek
- A forest
- A mountaintop
Correct Answer: A meadow
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes a meadow as being a place of peace and beauty. This detail contrasts with the fear and darkness that pervades the story.
What is the name of the type of bird that is described as flying in formation?
- Geese
- Ducks
- Hawks
- Crows
Correct Answer: Geese
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes a flock of geese flying in formation, an example of nature’s order and harmony. This detail contrasts with the chaotic and inexplicable events that occur in the story.
What is the name of the creature that is described as being hunted by Hugh Morgan?
- A rabbit
- A deer
- A bear
- A mountain lion
Correct Answer: A deer
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan hunting a deer. This detail highlights the relationship between humans and the natural world and the struggle for survival in the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being present in the area where the attack takes place?
- Horses
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Pigs
Correct Answer: Cattle
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions cattle being present in the area where the attack takes place. This detail highlights the connection between the wilderness and civilization.
What is the name of the type of terrain that is described as being rough and difficult to navigate?
- Ravines
- Hills
- Mountains
- Valleys
Correct Answer: Ravines
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions “ravines,” a type of terrain that is characterized by deep, narrow valleys. This detail reinforces the sense of the unknown and the challenge of navigating the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of weapon that is used by Hugh Morgan to defend himself?
- A shotgun
- A rifle
- A pistol
- A knife
Correct Answer: A shotgun
Correct Answer Explanation: Hugh Morgan uses a shotgun to defend himself against the “Damned Thing.” This detail highlights the reliance of humans on technology and the potential for violence in the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of motion that is described as being used by the “Damned Thing” as it approaches?
- A slow and deliberate motion
- A rapid and erratic motion
- A jerky and unpredictable motion
- A smooth and graceful motion
Correct Answer: A slow and deliberate motion
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the “Damned Thing” as approaching slowly and with a deliberate motion. This detail adds to the sense of dread and mystery surrounding the unknown force.
What is the name of the object that is described as being used by Hugh Morgan to examine the “Damned Thing”?
- A telescope
- A magnifying glass
- A microscope
- Binoculars
Correct Answer: A telescope
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan using a telescope to try to see the “Damned Thing.” This detail highlights the limitations of human perception and the desire to understand the unknown.
What is the name of the type of event that is described as being witnessed by Hugh Morgan?
- A flock of birds taking flight
- A school of whales diving
- A meteor shower
- An earthquake
Correct Answer: A flock of birds taking flight
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes a flock of birds taking flight simultaneously, despite no visible signal. This event highlights the possibility of signals beyond human perception and the presence of forces that we can’t see or understand.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being able to communicate with each other over long distances?
- Whales
- Birds
- Insects
- Fish
Correct Answer: Whales
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions whales as an example of animals that can communicate with each other over long distances, even though they are miles apart. This detail reinforces the idea that there are things beyond human perception and understanding.
What is the name of the phenomenon that is described as being able to cause stars to disappear?
- The “Damned Thing”
- A meteor
- A comet
- A solar flare
Correct Answer: The “Damned Thing”
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the “Damned Thing” as being able to cause stars to disappear, suggesting that it can affect the very fabric of reality.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being able to see in the dark?
- Owls
- Bats
- Cats
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions owls, bats, and cats as being able to see in the dark. This detail highlights the differences in perception between humans and other animals.
What is the name of the type of weather that is described as being present in the story?
- Cold and stormy
- Hot and humid
- Clear and sunny
- Foggy and misty
Correct Answer: Clear and sunny
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the weather as being clear and sunny, adding to the unsettling contrast between the natural beauty of the setting and the terrifying events that occur.
What is the name of the type of sound that is described as being made by the “Damned Thing”?
- A high-pitched whine
- A low rumble
- A deafening roar
- A series of clicks and pops
Correct Answer: A series of clicks and pops
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the “Damned Thing” as making a series of clicks and pops, adding to the unsettling nature of the unknown force.
What is the name of the type of vegetation that is described as being found in the area where the attack takes place?
- Grass
- Trees
- Shrubs
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the area where the attack takes place as being covered in grass, trees, and shrubs. This detail reinforces the sense of a wild and untamed wilderness.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being hunted by Hugh Morgan?
- Deer
- Rabbit
- Bear
- Mountain lion
Correct Answer: Deer
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan hunting a deer, highlighting the connection between humans and the natural world and the struggle for survival in the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being attracted to the “Damned Thing”?
- Insects
- Birds
- Rodents
- None of the above
Correct Answer: None of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The story doesn’t specify any animals that are attracted to the “Damned Thing.” This detail highlights the mysterious and unsettling nature of the unknown force.
What is the name of the type of creature that is described as being seen by Hugh Morgan in the distance?
- A bird
- An insect
- A rodent
- A reptile
Correct Answer: A bird
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan seeing a bird in the distance, adding to the sense of the natural world and the possibility of things beyond human perception.
What is the name of the type of terrain that is described as being covered in wild oats?
- A meadow
- A forest
- A swamp
- A desert
Correct Answer: A meadow
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the terrain as being covered in wild oats, reinforcing the sense of the unknown and the challenge of navigating the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of event that is described as being witnessed by Hugh Morgan?
- A meteor shower
- A solar eclipse
- A lunar eclipse
- A comet
Correct Answer: A meteor shower
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan witnessing a meteor shower, adding to the sense of the unknown and the possibility of things beyond human perception.
What is the name of the type of object that is described as being thrown from the sky by Hugh Morgan?
- A rock
- A stick
- A piece of wood
- A piece of metal
Correct Answer: A rock
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan throwing a rock into the air, which falls back to the ground and causes a strange sound. This action reinforces the theme of the unknown and the possibility of things beyond human comprehension.
What is the name of the type of weapon that is described as being used by Hugh Morgan to defend himself?
- A shotgun
- A rifle
- A pistol
- A knife
Correct Answer: A shotgun
Correct Answer Explanation: Hugh Morgan uses a shotgun to defend himself against the “Damned Thing.” This detail highlights the reliance of humans on technology and the potential for violence in the wilderness.
What is the name of the type of motion that is described as being used by the “Damned Thing” as it approaches?
- A slow and deliberate motion
- A rapid and erratic motion
- A jerky and unpredictable motion
- A smooth and graceful motion
Correct Answer: A slow and deliberate motion
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the “Damned Thing” as approaching slowly and with a deliberate motion. This detail adds to the sense of dread and mystery surrounding the unknown force.
What is the name of the type of object that is described as being used by Hugh Morgan to examine the “Damned Thing”?
- A telescope
- A magnifying glass
- A microscope
- Binoculars
Correct Answer: A telescope
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes Hugh Morgan using a telescope to try to see the “Damned Thing.” This detail highlights the limitations of human perception and the desire to understand the unknown.
What is the name of the type of event that is described as being witnessed by Hugh Morgan?
- A flock of birds taking flight
- A school of whales diving
- A meteor shower
- An earthquake
Correct Answer: A flock of birds taking flight
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes a flock of birds taking flight simultaneously, despite no visible signal. This event highlights the possibility of signals beyond human perception and the presence of forces that we can’t see or understand.
What is the name of the type of animal that is described as being able to communicate with each other over long distances?
- Whales
- Birds
- Insects
- Fish
Correct Answer: Whales
Correct Answer Explanation: The story mentions whales as an example of animals that can communicate with each other over long distances, even though they are miles apart. This detail reinforces the idea that there are things beyond human perception and understanding.
What is the name of the phenomenon that is described as being able to cause stars to disappear?
- The “Damned Thing”
- A meteor
- A comet
- A solar flare
Correct Answer: The “Damned Thing”
Correct Answer Explanation: The story describes the “Damned Thing” as being able to cause stars to disappear, suggesting that it can affect the very fabric of reality.