My Kinsman Major Molineux

1. How does the narrator’s opening survey of the escalating tensions between the colonists and their Crown-appointed governors relate to the story that follows?

A. It explains why colonists like Robin seek their fortunes in the city.

B. It describes why many sections of Boston appear shabby.

C. It shows why Robin admires his kinsman, Major Molineux.

D. It reveals why the Bostonians do not treat Robin or his kinsman with respect.

2. As Robin steps from the boat, the ferryman’s lantern shines on his face and clothing. What does Robin’s appearance reveal about his character?

A. He is young and hopeful.

B. He is young but weary and jaded.

C. He is young but obviously wealthy.

D. He is young and anxious.

3. The first man Robin approaches is elegantly dressed but emits frequent “hems”(or coughs) “like a thought of the cold grave.” What does this foreshadow?

A. the death of the elegant old man

B. Robin’s period of waiting near the graveyard for his kinsman

C. the ghoulish spectacle Robin witnesses in the street

D. Robin’s memory of his family mourning the “Absent One”

4. How does Robin account for the hostility the elegantly-dressed old man directs at him following his inquiries about Major Molineux?

A. He determines that the old man is jealous.

B. He decides that the old man is socially inferior and lacks good breeding.

C. He thinks that the old man must suffer from paranoia.

D. He realizes that city people are less friendly than country people.

5. When Robin wanders down deserted streets near the water-side, “the smell of tar was obvious to his nostrils.” What is the likely reason for this smell? (short answer)

6. Which character at the inn draws Robin’s attention?

A. the young woman wearing a scarlet petticoat

B. the escaped servant

C. the man with the bulging forehead

D. the man who resembles his kinsman, Major Molineux

7. As Robin walks along the street crowded with many fashionably-dressed people, what contrast becomes apparent?

A. British aristocrats versus colonial upper class

B. those who support British rule versus those who support American independence

C. country innocence versus city decadence

D. Old World tradition versus New World innovation

8. When a woman steps from a doorway and tells Robin that Major Molineux is inside, for whom does Robin mistake her?

A. the Major’s daughter

B. the Major’s wife

C. the Major’s seamstress

D. the Major’s housekeeper

9. Of the following terms, which does the narrator use repeatedly and ironically to describe Robin’s nature?

A. shrewd

B. courageous

C. honest

D. resourceful

10. Although Robin declares he is not a “fool,” what occurs again and again throughout the night that suggests otherwise?

A. He offends others with his coarse manners.

B. He hears laughter following his encounters with people.

C. He unwittingly pays too much for food and services.

D. He mistakes pity for kindness.

11. When Robin re-encounters the man with the bulging forehead near the church, which of these representations does the man’s painted face suggest?

A. a devil figure

B. a carnival clown  

C. a circus animal

D. the ghost of Major Molineux

12. How does Robin feel when he looks in the church window and sees a ray of moonlight resting “upon the opened page of the great Bible”?

A. He feels comforted knowing God is with him.

B. He feels a strong sensation of loneliness.

C. He feels a wave of guilt.

D. He feels emboldened to face the darkness.

13. What is the profession of Robin’s father, in addition to his work as a farmer? (short answer)

14. Why is it significant that “a deeper sleep wrestled with” Robin during the moments before he sees the friendly stranger across from the church?

A. It suggests that Robin will soon meet his death.

B. It shows that the city has a smothering effect on Robin’s sharp mind.

C. It proves that Robin has prevailed over his own personal demons.

D. It casts doubt on the reality of the events that follow.

15. Why does Robin think his future lies in the city with Major Molineux instead of on his family’s farm?

A. Robin never wanted to be a farmer.

B. The farm is a failing enterprise.

C. Robin’s older brother will inherit the farm.

D. Robin and his father had a falling out.

16. When Robin expresses surprise about the riot of voices approaching in the street, the friendly stranger says, “May not a man have several voices, Robin, as well as two complexions?” What is the stranger trying to point out to Robin?

A. that city dwellers are noisy, riotous people

B. that people are complicated with unexpected sides

C. that some people are gifted actors

D. that Robin will fare better living in the countryside

17. Who is the single horseman leading the mob toward the church? (short answer)

18. According to the narrator, many “wild figures” and “fantastic shapes” make up the mob; consequently, which of these does it resemble?

A. a merry carnival

B. a stampede of wild animals

C. a tempestuous storm

D. a feverish dream

19. Judging from the harsh treatment he receives at the hands of the Boston colonists, what can be inferred about the character of Major Molineux?

A. He is involved in criminal behavior.

B. He is affiliated with the British rulers.

C. He has become a drunk and a vagrant.

D. He runs a brothel.

20. In what way is it ironic and paradoxical that the Boston colonists disregard the rule of law and subject Major Molineux to the mob?

A. The colonists are depicted as kind and virtuous.

B. The colonists do not realize Major Molineux is an important man.

C. The colonists are engaging in tyranny to protest British tyrannical rule.

D. The colonists sought entertainment but lost control.

21. How does Robin respond when laughter erupts in the crowd around Major Molineux? (short answer)

22. In an apparent analogy to the American colonies breaking ties with Britain, the friendly stranger tells Robin that he “may rise in the world, without the help of” whom?

A. Major Molineux

B. his father

C. the unfriendly Bostonians

D. the man with the bulging forehead