The Life You Save May Be Your Own

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Reading Check

1. How do Mrs. Crater and Lucynell meet Mr. Shiftlet?

2. What physical disabilities do Lucynell and Mr. Shiftlet have?

3. What does Mr. Shiftlet do at the farm while being allowed to sleep in the car?

4. What qualities does Mrs. Crater say will make Lucynell a good wife for Mr. Shiftlet?

5. Why does Mrs. Crater give Mr. Shiftlet money and the car after he marries Lucynell?

6. Where does Mr. Shiftlet leave Lucynell?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the real reason Mr. Shiftlet agrees to stay at the farm and help Mrs. Crater?

2. What is the real reason Mrs. Crater offers Mr. Shiftlet work at her farm?

3. How are Mrs. Crater and Mr. Shiftlet similar and different?

4. How does the hitchhiker respond to Mr. Shiftlet’s comments about mothers?

5. Where does the story’s title appear within the story? What is its significance?

Recommended Next Reads

“A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner

• This classic short story is also part of the Southern Gothic tradition.
• William Faulkner is one of the first modern Southern fiction writers.