Once Upon a Time

Nadine Gordimer

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1989

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activity

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. B (Paragraph 16)

2. D (Paragraph 7)

3. C (Paragraph 9)

4. B (Paragraph 18)

5. B (Various paragraphs)

6. B (Paragraph 13)

7. D (Paragraph 12)

8. A (Paragraph 13)

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Long Answer

1. The entire story serves as a warning to the readers. The signs in all capital letters stand out as a warning to readers that the story will not have a happy ending, as evidenced by the death of the little boy. (Various paragraphs)

2. As a young child, he lives in the world of make-believe. Because of the stories read to him, the boy either believes that the real dangers around him are fictional or does not see them at all, feeling safe and protected by his family’s love. (Various paragraphs)