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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 does Randy see when the highwaymen stop him?

2. Why did the mayor barricade himself in at home while Randy arranged something for Porky?

3. What does the Acting President announce on the radio?

4. Who does Peyton ask about fishing?

5. Why does Randy decide to go over to the Admiral's after dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do they take care of Porky Logan's body?

2. What kind of illness in town worries Dan and who seems to have it?

3. What happens to Ben the night Dan is robbed?

4. What does Rita say about the highwaymen and what does she do?

5. What happens at Dan's office?

6. What is Dan using for antiseptic and for anesthetic?

7. When were Lib and Randy married? Who performed the service? What did the bride and groom wear?

8. What happens when Malachai stops at the ambush?

9. What happens to the Admiral's shortwave and what can be done about it?

10. What does Randy decide to do about the highwaymen and what does he put at the bandstand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Alas, Babylon" is from Revelation and signifies impending doom. Mark and Randy agree the previous Christmas that "Alas, Babylon" signifies a potential nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union.

1. What would be your thoughts if you had been in Randy's position when he received the telegram?

2. Do you think Randy should tell his friends about the telegram? Why or why not?

3. Do you think it is fair for Mark to try and save his family because he is in the position to know about a possible war ahead of time? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Randy recalls they used to say a big war would cost too much, disrupt world trade and bankrupt everybody. Helen calls him an idealist.

1. Why do you think Helen called Randy an idealist?

2. Do you think being idealistic is easier than being realistic? Why or why not?

3. Who do you know who is an idealist and why do you say that person is one?

Essay Topic 3

Randy returns with a fleet of boats full of salt and blue crab to a dining table heaped with delicious roast armadillo, and a kitchen sink with four large black bass. Three crying women convince him women need a man around.

1. Do you think that women were viewed differently at the time this book was published? Why or why not? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think Peyton is being treated fairly by her family and especially her brother? Why or why not?

3. If you were a child in this book would you rather be Peyton or Ben? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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