View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What city does Cotton suggest they hitchhike back to to steal another car?

2. At the time of the quest, how far away is the end of summer?

3. If Lally Two had the choice, where would he sleep at night?

4. What animals are the boys hoping to encounter during their quest?

5. What is finally revealed as the destination of the Bedwetters' quest?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Lally Two want to leave camp?

2. What is the end result of Cotton's demand that the boys vote unanimously about whether or not they should continue their mission?

3. Why did the boys finally fall apart, threatening to quit the quest and return to camp?

4. Why are Lally One and Shecker left behind during the drive toward the quest?

5. How does Cotton react to the final vote about whether or not the quest should end?

6. Who takes control, and how, when the bullies discover the boys are driving a stolen vehicle?

7. After waking up from his dream, what does Cotton realize has happened in camp while he slept?

8. What unusual supplies do Lally One and Goodenow pack for their dangerous mission?

9. Why did Goodenow threaten to commit suicide over the summer?

10. How do the boys respond when they are first harassed by the bullies at the bowling alley?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the references to the Vietnam War present in the novel. At what times is the war mentioned? What symbolism can be found in the references to war, particularly the Vietnam War? Do you think the use of a historical event is an effective symbol to convey a message to the larger reading audience? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Swarthout uses the physicality of light and shadows to convey many things, including enlightenment. Choose two examples of times when light and shadows were present in the text and describe how these elements conveyed the emotions of the scenes. In your opinion, were these techniques successful in creating mood and tone? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

At the opening of the novel, each of the Bedwetters has their own unique hat which is used to personalize their camp uniform. First, describe the Box Canyon camp uniform in detail. Then, choose three of the Bedwetters and describe their unique headwear. What clues into the characters' personalities can be found in their headwear? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,143 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample