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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. Who speaks often of the tragedy?

2. What happens in the following month of May?

3. Why do Norman and Paul have to move to a new fishing hole?

4. Why does Norman think that Paul stays close to him while fishing?

5. Why does Norman feel he cannot help Paul?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. On what is the story based?

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

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

5. How does Norman react to Neal's arrival a few days later?

6. Who are the two brothers in the story?

7. What happens one night after Norman and Paul spend the day fishing?

8. Where do Norman and Paul escape from Norman's family problems a few days later?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the irony in Norman's being punished and sent to a mountaintop location with spectacular vistas. Does Bill know that Norman will not be especially industrious on the mountaintop? Is the lesson one in which Norman is supposed to meditate on his mistakes and emerge with a different point of view? By opening up Norman's vistas, is Bill also opening up his mind and attitude?

Essay Topic 2

Even though he loves his brother, Norman still feels pangs of jealousy when Paul receives positive attention. Cite examples of Norman's jealousy and his attempts to rise above any petty behavior. Does Norman let Paul bask in glory because he knows Paul is challenged in other ways? What does this say about Norman's character?

Essay Topic 3

Neal and Paul's alcoholism seem starkly out of place in the pristine region of the Blackfoot River area. Explain the irony of the personal angst set against this breathtaking backdrop. Also explain why personal problems can happen even in the most beautiful of locations.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 687 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample