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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 crime had Mason committed leading to his incarceration in the mental institution?

2. When Francis leaves the woods for the last time, what does he promise himself that he will do with his life?

3. What food item does the first truck driver give to Francis before dropping him off at the side of the road?

4. What does Rayber say to the innkeeper that deeply annoys Francis?

5. Which of the following characters shouted these words: "The prophet I raise up out of this boy will burn your eyes clean!" ?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Francis Tarwater come to live with his great-uncle Mason?

2. What conversation does Francis have with Meeks right after Mason dies?

3. Why does Francis fear having to bury his uncle at the opening of the story,"The Violent Bear it Away"?

4. Why was Mason Tarwater admitted into a mental institution, and how did he get out?

5. How does Francis rebel against Mason after his death?

6. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

7. What is Francis' initial reaction when he meets his cousin, Bishop?

8. How does Mason's neighbor, Buford Munson, react when he hears that Mason is dead?

9. How did George Rayber go deaf?

10. Who is Francis' "stranger" who is later referred to as his "friend"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel, it becomes clear that Mason Tarwater and George Rayber are both interested in Francis' redemption. First, describe what these two father-figures consider redemption to be. What do each of these men believe Francis needs to be redeemed from? Do you agree with them? Why or why not? Then, explain how each of these men attempted to inculcate their ideas into young Tarwater. Were they successful? Why or why not? Then, describe Francis' redemption process. At the end of the novel, do you think Francis is redeemed for the sins he committed in childhood? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Greenleaf is a character that causes a great amount of stress in Mrs. May's life in the story "Greenleaf." First, describe Mrs. Greenleaf's character. What parts about her personality are most annoying to Mrs. May? Then, describe the parallels between Mrs. Greenleaf's spiritual life with Mrs. May's spiritual life? What is the significance of Mrs. Greenleaf's request for God to stab her in the heart? How do these words come back to haunt Mrs. May in her own spirituality? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Both Julian and his mother rely on their appearances to distinguish themselves from the rest of the outside community. First, describe the way Julian relies on appearance to distinguish himself from those around him. How does he use his appearance, either physical or emotional, to segregate himself? Then, compare / contrast Julian's method of superiority with his mother's method of superiority. How does Julian's mother use her appearance to distinguish herself in the community? Why is being distinguished important to each of these character? How does it affect their relationship to each other? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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