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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. What does Emory believe is his "special mystery"?

2. How long has it been since Motes drove a car before purchasing his new car in Taulkinham?

3. What is the name of Motes' landlady at the end of the story?

4. Which of the following items is NOT advertised for in neon lights in the city of Taulkinham?

5. How long did Hazel Motes spend in the military before returning home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Motes sleep on his first night home from the army?

2. What state is Motes' house in when he returns home from the army?

3. Where does Motes first meet Sabbath Hawks?

4. What story does Sabbath tell Motes about her childhood that makes him pity her?

5. What is Motes' initial reaction to the town of Taulkinham?

6. Who is Asa Hawks?

7. From where does Motes purchase his new car?

8. What was Motes' reaction when he was drafted to the army?

9. Who is Gongo the Gorilla?

10. How does Emory get his revenge on Gongo the Gorilla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the 1960's, the South was completely torn apart into the old and the new with the new desegregation and anti-discrimination laws that transformed the land. How do you see these laws depicted in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge"? How do Julian and his mother represent the old and new South in the story? What do Julian and his mother fight about most regularly? How do these clashes between Julian and his mother mimic the greater conflicts in Southern society? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout his adult life, Mason Tarwater often tried to communicate with Rayber, whom he considered to be his lost son. One of the methods through which Mason communicated with Rayber was through a journal. Why did Mason start writing in Rayber's journal in the first place? What was Rayber's reaction to the journal when it was unearthed? Finally, explain what you think the meaning of the message, "The prophet I will raise up out of this boy will burn your eyes clean," which Mason wrote to Rayber about Francis. Did the old man's promise ever come true? Does Tarwater ever open Rayber's eyes? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Both Mason and Francis Tarwater have an extreme obsession with the Roman Catholic tradition of baptism. Why was this ceremony so important to Mason? What message did he pass on to Francis about the importance of baptism? Then, describe Francis' personal mission to get his cousin, Bishop, baptized. Why did Francis think this particular baptism was so important? What methods did Francis attempt to get Bishop properly baptized? Finally, describe the events the lead up to Bishop's inadvertent baptism in the fishing lake. How did the baptism lead to death? What symbolism can be found in the parallelism of baptism and crucifixion in Bishop's case? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,170 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample