Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.

Question

How do James Withencroft's and Charles Atkinson's actions develop a theme in “August Heat”?

A. Withencroft tells about seeing the date of his death on a tombstone. His drawing and Atkinson's actions appear threatening, but Withencroft survives to write about the coincidences. This develops the theme that things can turn out better than expected.

B. Withencroft goes out for a walk and ends up at the home of a stone carver. Atkinson carves a headstone with Withencroft's name on it. This develops the theme that one cannot choose one's destiny.

C. Withencroft explains that he is a forty-year-old artist. Atkinson carves the dates of Withencroft's supposed death into a tombstone. This develops the theme that some people can die young.

D. Withencroft spends the day at home drawing rather than go outside in the heat. Atkinson carves a flawed piece of marble which turns out well. This develops the theme that people should follow their first instincts.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

B. Withencroft goes out for a walk and ends up at the home of a stone carver. Atkinson carves a headstone with Withencroft's name on it. This develops the theme that one cannot choose one's destiny.

This choice captures the essence of the story, where the actions of both characters lead to a fateful coincidence that suggests the inevitability of destiny.

Answer 2

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.
“August Heat” ends without telling readers what happens.
Which details could the author include to support a theme that humans can overcome a predestined fate?
Select each correct answer.

A. The narrator asks Atkinson more questions about his past.

B. Atkinson unsuccessfully tries to stab the narrator.

C. The clock strikes midnight while Withencroft is still writing.

D. Atkinson’s wife is surprised by the engraving on the stone.

Answer 3

To support a theme that humans can overcome a predestined fate, the following details could be included:

B. Atkinson unsuccessfully tries to stab the narrator.

C. The clock strikes midnight while Withencroft is still writing.

Both of these details suggest moments of confrontation and potential escape from fate, which aligns with the theme of overcoming destiny.

Answer 4

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.
Which details support the idea that the residents of Nameless, Tennessee, live simple but meaningful lives?
Select each correct answer.

A. Watts takes the narrator’s hand and leads him to the cellar. He calls the many stored and dusty bottles there as “our tomorrows.”

B. Mr. Watts mentions that they cannot keep signs of the town’s name up as those signs are usually stolen by the "Halloween boys."

C. One of the characters, Miss Ginny, disapproves of the narrator’s truck when he first comes to the store.

D. Watts describes the doctor who knew the old medicines and could treat illness with the things that he found in kitchen cabinets.

Answer 5

The details that support the idea that the residents of Nameless, Tennessee, live simple but meaningful lives are:

A. Watts takes the narrator’s hand and leads him to the cellar. He calls the many stored and dusty bottles there as “our tomorrows.”

D. Watts describes the doctor who knew the old medicines and could treat illness with the things that he found in kitchen cabinets.

These details highlight the simplicity of their lives, as well as the meaningful connections and resourcefulness that characterize their existence in the community.

Answer 6

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.
Which quotation from "Nameless, Tennessee" develops the central idea that although the town is dying, the residents still have hope?

A. “His expression had changed. ‘Miss Ginny’s Deathbook.’”

B. “‘How many’s left,’ he said, ‘that grew up in a log cabin? I ain’t the last surely, but I must be climbin’ on the list.’”

C. “He held a hand out toward the dusty bottles. ‘Our tomorrows.’”

D. “‘She’s in nursin’ school at Tennessee Tech. I went over for one of them football games last year there at Coevul.’”

Answer 7

The quotation from "Nameless, Tennessee" that develops the central idea that although the town is dying, the residents still have hope is:

C. “He held a hand out toward the dusty bottles. ‘Our tomorrows.’”

This quotation suggests a sense of optimism and potential for the future despite the town's struggles, emphasizing the residents' hope.