AP Literature: The Story of an Hour - Multiple Choice Quiz

AP Literature Multiple Choice Quiz on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Character Analysis

1. In paragraph 14, Louise Mallard approaches an awakening subsequent to hearing of the news of her husband's death. Which of the following is the most prominent reoccurring theme in this passage? A. Hopefulness B. Freedom C. Acceptance D. Depression

Answer: D. Depression

2. The author portrays the story expects the reader to reflect on the experiences of Louise Mallard. Which of the following best describes the tone of the story? A. Ridicule B. Understanding C. Admiration D. Ironic detachment

Answer: B. Understanding

Literary Devices

3. Which of the following lines best represents the rhetorical device of verbal irony? A. “Free! Body and soul free!” (16) B. “Into this she sank, pressed down by physical exhaustion that haunted her body…” (4) C. “They said she had died of heart disease” (23) D. “Go away. I am not making myself ill.” (18)

Answer: A. “Free! Body and soul free!” (16)

4. In paragraph 20, Louise's composure as she descends the stairs can be best described as: A. Prideful vindication B. Pretentious C. Tension and apprehensiveness D. A Renewed liveliness E. Committed to a façade of neutrality

Answer: C. Tension and apprehensiveness

Themes and Motifs

5. The word "repression" (paragraph 8) suggests that Mrs. Mallard was a woman of: A. Carefree living B. Strong emotional character C. Sensitivity D. Submissive nature E. Independence

Answer: B. Strong emotional character

6. Mrs. Mallard's cause of death is described as "a joy that kills." Chopin uses this as final evidence to show that: A. Her husband's death was the cause of her heart attack B. She died of a heart attack because of the emotions she felt during her husband's death C. Her husband's death was not the cause of her heart attack D. The cause of her heart attack remains a mystery

Answer: B. She died of a heart attack because of the emotions she felt during her husband's death

Plot Summary

7. In paragraph 14, Louise Mallard approaches an awakening subsequent to hearing of the news of her husband's death. Which of the following is the most prominent theme in this passage? A. Hopefulness B. Freedom C. Acceptance D. Depression

Answer: D. Depression

8. The story expects the reader to reflect on the experiences of Louise Mallard. Which of the following best describes the tone of the story? A. Ridicule B. Understanding C. Admiration D. Ironic detachment

Answer: B. Understanding

9. Which of the following lines best represents the rhetorical device of verbal irony? A. “Free! Body and soul free!” (16) B. “Into this she sank, pressed down by physical exhaustion that haunted her body…” (4) C. “They said she had died of heart disease” (23) D. “Go away. I am not making myself ill.” (18)

Answer: A. “Free! Body and soul free!” (16)

10. In paragraph 20, Louise's composure as she descends the stairs can be best described as: A. Prideful vindication B. Pretentious C. Tension and apprehensiveness D. A Renewed liveliness E. Committed to a façade of neutrality

Answer: C. Tension and apprehensiveness