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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. As a young boy, what did Motes want to be when he grew up?

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

3. What does Enoch Emory believe is "the new Jesus"?

4. Where is Motes' body found by two policemen shortly before his death?

5. At what time of day does Motes reach his old homestead after serving time in the military?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Mrs. Watts?

2. Who is Asa Hawks?

3. What does Enoch Emory believe is his "secret mystery"?

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

5. What obsessive acts does Enoch Emory engage in to feel closer to mankind?

6. What is the aftermath of Layfield's death on Moat's life?

7. Who is Gongo the Gorilla?

8. Who is Mrs. Wally Bee Hitchcock?

9. What act does Enoch Emory commit that is directly related to his "wise blood"?

10. What is Motes' first impression of Enoch Emory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As soon as Mason Tarwater dies, Francis is completely unable to eat. Why do you think the ability to eat is the first to leave Francis in his grieving process? Do you think the lack of food is a conscious or unconscious decision on Francis' part? How does Francis use food as a weapon in his relationship with Rayber? Finally, describe what parallels Francis makes between his own eating habits after Mason's death with the story of the fish and bread from the Catholic Bible. What role does Francis see himself fulfilling in this story? Be sure to include examples from the text that you think help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

On several occasions in the story "The Violent Bear it Away," Francis has conversations with a voice that is first called a "stranger" and then a "friend." First, describe who / what you think this voice intended to represent? Is it Francis' inner self against which he is arguing? Then, explain what advice Francis' inner voice gives to him. Do you think Francis is receiving good advice from the voice? Why or why not? Finally, at the end of the story, the voice tells Francis to, "Go warn the children of God of the terrible speed of mercy." What do you think is the significance of these words? Do you think Francis listens to this advice? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The hat Julian's mother wears is one of great significance in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge." First, describe Julian's mother's hat and describe her relationship to it. Why is this hat important to her? Then, describe what Julian thinks of his mother's hat and what his reaction is when he realizes the black woman on the bus is wearing an identical one. How does the hat become a symbol not for segregation, as Julian's mother intended, but for equality? What message do you think O'Connor is sending her readers about racial equality through the symbol of the hat? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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