“The Enormous Radio” Questions
1. In using words like “aggressive,” “malevolent,” and “violent” to describe the
radio the author is using what literary device?
a. Mood
c. Tone
b. Hyperbole
d. Symbolism
2. When Jim and Irene first hear the Sweeney’s nurse singing, Irene:
a. grows paranoid that others might be listening to her and Jim
b. desires to hear what others in the apartment are doing
c. believes that it must be the broadcast of a play
d. wants Jim to call the repairman
3. The last paragraph on page three contains the word “furtive.” This word most
likely means:
a. special
c. lonely
b. secretive
d. immoral
4. Irene’s relationship with the radio can BEST be described as:
a. a dangerous obsession
b. a means of entertainment
c. an outlet for creativity
d. a harmless hobby
(SYMBOL)
5. What set of words BEST describes Irene from the beginning of the story to the
end?
a. Naïve – Angry – Depressed
b. Content – Pessimistic – Paranoid
c. Restless – Bored – Relieved
d. Curious – Annoyed – Saddened
6. Which quote best expresses the radio’s effect on Irene and Jim’s relationship?
a. “You packed your bag and went off to have that child murdered as if you
were going to Nassau.”
b. “Life is too terrible, too sordid and awful. But we’ve never been like that,
have we, darling?”
c. “I paid the bill for the radio today. I hope you’ll get some enjoyment out
of it.”
d. “They have such nice faces. Actually, they’re so much nicer than a lot of
the people we know.”
7. The end of the story demonstrates that:
a. Jim and Irene will probably get divorced because of their different views
on money
b. Irene was a devout church-goer until she started listening to the radio
c. Jim and Irene are not so different from the others that live in their
apartment building
d. Jim has been keeping secrets from his wife about purchases he’s made
8. Jim can BEST be described as:
a. cold and uncaring
b. concerned but agitated
c. loving and helpful
d. angry but forgiving
9. How is the plot developed in the story?
a. Through a series of flashbacks
b. Through extensive dialogue
c. Through a series of chronological episodes
d. Through use of first person narration
10. Which of the following best describes the central theme of the story?
a. Gaining knowledge may bring about one’s own ruin
b. Irene cannot cope with the harsh realities of her world
c. Be careful what you wish for; you might just get it
d. Obligations to others
11. All of the following help establish setting EXCEPT:
a. “Go up to 16-C, Jim.”
b. The rattling of elevator cables…
c. From where Irene sat, she could see the open sky above the East River.
d. From the loudspeaker came a recording of the “Missouri Waltz.”
12. How is situational irony used in the story?
a. Irene and Jim start bickering about their own problems
b. The radio is ugly and doesn’t fit the décor of the home
c. Irene recognizes the Sweeneys’ nurse singing
d. Jim and Irene have a love of serious music, unlike their friends