“The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: allusions to Greek mythology, inexplicable vanishings, the personification of inanimate objects, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Tree” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• The role of the beekeeper
• The protagonists’ jobs
• The nature of the relationship between the protagonists
• The artistic inspirations of each individual protagonist
• The Tyrant of Syracuse’s motivations
• The goddess whom the Tyrant wishes to honor
• Kalos’ reaction to his grave illness
• The request Kalos makes of his friend upon his death
• The promise Musides makes to Kalos prior to his death
• The length of time it takes Musides to complete his assigned task
• Peculiar characteristics of the tree
• The fate of Musides and his work