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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who finds Gus?

2. What happened to Po Campo's sons?

3. Where does July finally see people after so many days?

4. Who decides not to visit the prostitutes after all?

5. Who helps ease Newt's mind about Jake?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Clara tell July about Elmira?

2. What does Clara suggest to Lorena?

3. What worries Dish when Call rides off to help Gus?

4. Why does Newt decide not to shoot the Indians that approach him?

5. What makes Call mad in Ogallala?

6. What does Blue Duck tell Call?

7. What does Sally think of Jake when she hears the rumors?

8. How does Lorena feel when she hears about Jake's hanging?

9. What does July finally decide about Elmira?

10. Why is Po Campo not as excited about reaching Ogallala as the rest of the crew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elmira and Lorena are both prostitutes as a matter of circumstances of their lives.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Elmira and Lorena. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) How do Lorena and Elmira show their strengths or weaknesses in their characters?

Part 3) How do Lorena and Elmira each meet the challenges of their circumstances? What choices do they make to improve their lives? How does it work out for them? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Justice is a recurring theme. How do different characters seek and find justice? In what circumstances do they decide not to seek justice? Explain the difference in those circumstances. How does seeking justice (or not seeking justice) affect the plot? Use examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Newt is a character on the edge of adulthood. Write an essay about Newt's transition to adulthood.

Part 1) What are the rites of passage that define him?

Part 2) What kind of adult does Newt want to become?

Part 3) Who are Newt's role models? Why does he look up to those role models? Use examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample