Page 43 - The English Carnival 7

Assess Yourself

A. Tick () the correct answer.

1. What is the initial impression the narrator has of the signal-man?

(a) He is friendly and approachable.
(b) He is energetic and lively.

(c) He is lonely and melancholy.
2. What recurring event haunts the signal-man?

(a) A mysterious figure appearing at the signal

(b) A loud and eerie whistle in the tunnel
(c) A haunting vision of a ghostly train

3. What is the signal-man’s profession?

(a) Train conductor
(b) Signal operator

(c) Stationmaster
4. What does the narrator do after the signal-man’s tragic death?

(a) He leaves the railway station immediately.

(b) He reports the incident to the authorities.
(c) He writes a detailed account of the events.

5. What is the significance of the phrase “Halloa! Below there!” in the story?
(a) It is a greeting used by the signal-man.

(b) It is a warning to the signal-man about danger.

(c) It is a code phrase used by the railway workers.

B. Answer the questions briefly.

1. What does the narrator notice about the signal-man’s behavior when he first
calls out to him?

2. What is the signal-man’s duty at his post?
3. How does the signal-man react when he sees the narrator for the first time?

4. What does the signal-man tell the narrator about his experiences with the
figure?

5. Why does the signal-man feel troubled and fearful?

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The Englsih Carnival-8