Hobbyist

A Short Story by Frederic Brown

Please answer on a separate page in blue or black pen in complete

sentences.

1. 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?

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. Compare Sangstrom and the druggist.

5. 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.”

6. Give a brief definition of 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.”
(b) The druggist’s line: “I have helped many murderers.”
(c) The outcome of Sangtrom’s request.

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

Explain.