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 information does Billy's father give him in Chapter 6 about town life that surprises Billy?

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the items Billy purchases with his final $10 in Chapter 4?

3. What does Billy use as a piggy bank?

4. Why does Billy run away from home?

5. What does Old Dan do when Little Ann cuts her paw?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Billy's parents react to him asking how far it is to Kentucky? What information are they lacking?

2. How does Billy's family help him while he is trying to cut down the giant sycamore?

3. Describe the process Billy's grandfather teaches him for trapping raccoons.

4. What measures does Papa take in Chapter 2 to help Billy deal with his overwhelming desire for two puppies?

5. What does Billy do with the candy his grandfather gives him in Chapter 3? What does this demonstrate about his character?

6. Describe the contents of the ad Billy finds in the old sportsman's magazine.

7. Compare and contrast Billy and his father's views of the town of Tahlequah.

8. What is Billy's first impression of the Tahlequah stationmaster? Why does his impression change?

9. What connection does the author make between the redbone hound in the first chapter and Billy's dogs in Chapter 6?

10. Describe what happens after Billy sets up the raccoon traps along the river in Chapter 7.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Billy goes through several rites of passage in this novel. Describe at least two events that help usher him into adulthood. Then discuss how these events help make him a "man." Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

The Ozark Mountains are an important setting in the novel. Discuss the significance of this setting focusing on its impact on plot and character development. Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Wilson Rawls uses a frame story in this novel. Describe the frame story and discuss how it relates to the main plot line. Then comment on how the novel would be different if the frame story was removed. Be sure to cite examples from the text to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,104 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample