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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 do the brothers always wonder about each other?

2. Who arrives at the train station a few days later?

3. Who does Neal's family think should take the blame for Neal's condition?

4. The characters are _____________________.

5. How is Old Rawhide dressed when Norman and Paul drop her off in town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who goes on the fishing trip the next morning?

2. Why does Norman's mother-in-law enlist Norman's help on Neal's behalf?

3. What is Norman's reaction to the phone call?

4. On what is the story based?

5. What is the occupation of Norman and Paul's father?

6. Where do the two brothers go fishing?

7. Neal declares that he wants to fish but what does he do instead?

8. Which of the two brothers is the better fisherman?

9. Why does Norman not remain to fish with Neal?

10. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Norman drawn to Bill Bell? What is it about Bill's personality and behavior that is appealing? Why do you think Bill is so blase about Norman? Do you think Norman senses this and tries all the harder to impress Bill? Why does Norman need to be liked so much?

Essay Topic 2

Norman and Mr. Maclean feel powerless to help Paul rid alcohol from his life. Explain what Norman and Mr. Maclean could have done to help Paul. What sources of support are available today for alcoholics that were not available at the beginning of the twentieth century? Do you think that Mrs. Maclean quietly tried to help Paul and ended up enabling him instead?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of Norman's ritual of bathing in the river each night after the days spent with Jim. How do you think Norman's days begin? Do you think he can almost feel the grime of Jim's lifestyle rubbing off on him as he spends time with him each day? As far as Norman is concerned, does the river have enough water to wash away the residue of being near Jim Grierson?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 606 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample