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Hobbyist

A Short Story by Frederic Brown

Comprehension Questions

1. (a) From what point of view is the story told? Would this story work if it were told from any other perspective? Why or why not? (b)

2. How does the druggist “give” the poison to his costumers? Be specific.

3. Why does the druggist ask the questions: “ ‘Now, he said. ‘Tell me. Whom do you want to kill, and why?’” Does this imply the druggist could be convinced the murder is justified? Support your answer with proof from other parts of the story.

4. Draw a Venn Diagram to compare Sangstrom and the druggist.

5. Sketch either the setting: “the tiny prescription pharmacy” OR the “gnome-like gnarled” druggist. Above your sketch write a caption that incorporates the preceding quotations.

6. Explain in your own words what the druggist means in the last line when he says: “The life you save, if you have any enemies, just might be your own.”

Challenge Concept Questions—Irony

Define the three basic forms of irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic. State the form of irony that best describes each of the following situations in the story: (a) The druggist’s line on the first page, “I must be convinced that you deserve what I can give you.” And the druggist’s line: “I have helped many murderers.” (b) The outcome of Sangtrom’s request.

Why is the poison referred to as: “undetectable poison”? Is it ironic? Explain.

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