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The Signalman

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    comprehension questions
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  • Before the main character repeats his inquiry, what happens that startles him?
    A figure, with its left sleeve across its face, startles the narrator as he looks down at the signalman. The figure swiftly disappears.
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  • How often does the signalman receive visitors?
    The signalman rarely receives visitors, mentioning that he is mostly isolated in his job.
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  • When the main character leaves, he promises to visit again. What does the signalman request that the main character not do when he reaches the path at the top?
    The signalman requests him not to call out or gesture when he reaches the path at the top, fearing it might distract him from his duties.
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  • Why do the words "Halloa! Below there!" disturb the signal-man? After telegraphing both ways, saying, "An alarm has been given. Is anything wrong?" what message did the signalman receive in return?
    The words "Halloa! Below there!" disturb the signal-man because they coincide with previous distressing incidents and seem inexplicably connected to tragedies.
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  • The main character thinks that perhaps the signal-man heard an imaginary cry. What explanation does the narrator give for what might have caused this noise?
    The narrator suggests that the noise might have been an echo, produced by a man shouting in the tunnel and the tunnel itself acting as a sounding board.
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  • What happened within six hours after the signal-man received the message?
    Within six hours after the signal-man received the message, a terrible accident occurred involving a train crashing in the tunnel.
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  • When the specter appeared again, what did it do? What tragedy happened that same day?
    The specter appeared again a year after the first sighting. When it reappeared, it gestured in a manner suggesting warning and protection.
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  • How many times does the specter ring the signal-man's bell while the main character is visiting? Does the main character hear the bell?
    The specter rings the signal-man's bell twice while the main character is visiting, but the main character doesn't hear the bell.
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  • Why does the signal-man feel that he cannot telegraph a warning of impending danger?
    because he doesn't fully understand the warning signs given by the specter and fears being seen as mad or unreliable
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  • What offer from the main character does the signal-man refuse?
    The signal-man refuses an offer from the main character to help him and to involve a person the main character knows who holds a significant position in the rai
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  • What does the main character do to calm the signal-man's nerves?
    The main character tries to calm the signal-man's nerves by spending time with him, engaging in conversation, and being a reassuring presence.
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  • When the main character calls down to him, what does the signal-man do?
    the signal-man looks down the line in both directions before realizing the voice comes from above. Then, he descends to meet the narrator.
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