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 else do Ray and the boys do at the location in #125?

2. What is the symbolic turning point in Ray's life?

3. What does Ray do when he returns to his room?

4. What has been stolen from Jack's car?

5. What pet lived on the Dupere Livestock farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the trip back to town for Ray and the boys.

2. What happens on the way to the Dupree farm when Ray plans to make one final attempt to contact Norma?

3. What do Jack and Ray do separately after the end of the storm?

4. Describe Ray's nonchalance upon finding a dead man in his hotel room.

5. What does Ray find at Leet's Motor Ranch that angers him?

6. How is the tropical storm symbolic of Ray's life?

7. What has been Norma's contact with Guy since he dropped her off at the hospital?

8. What is Dr. Symes' new plan for the island after he discovers some of his mother's insurance checks?

9. What is Ray's state of mind that he would put the two boys in jeopardy?

10. What becomes of Guy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Dr. Reo Symes. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him during his lifetime?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

How does Portis use the literary technique of local color in "The Dog of the South"? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Belize establishments, in the characters, and in the events.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample