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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. Which of the following elements is NOT true about Sean's childhood memory of his father?

2. In the story, "The Fisherman From Chihuahua," what type of business does Pendleton own?

3. What problem does the cab driver claim plagues the town of Rock Springs?

4. Which of the following is NOT a way that Louise reacts when she begins to gain weight during her pregnancy?

5. Which of the following aspects of his children's lives does Sean obsessively worry about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Carlyle's life like at the opening of the story "Fever"?

2. How does Arty's father react when his son comes for a visit at the mental institution in the story "The Bystander"?

3. What type of relationship does Carlyle form with Mrs. Webster in the story "Fever"?

4. Who is Push in the story "A Poetic for Bullies," and who is his sidekick?

5. What type of relationship does Louise have with her mother in the story "The Fat Girl"?

6. What pleasant memory does the young girl from the story "Verona" have about her father from her childhood?

7. What unfortunate site does Willi witness in the story of the same name, and how does the young boy react to what he's seen?

8. Why does Vance tell the story of "The Amish Farmer" to his high school English class?

9. What does Sonny blame his heroin addiction on?

10. What is Earl's first impression of the town Rock Springs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story "Ile Forest," centers around one singular crime and the idea of man judging another man, or absolving him of his crimes. First, describe the crime that was committed in Ile's Forest. Who was involved? What was the outcome of the crime? Choose two characters from Ile's present life and describe how these two characters judged Ile for his crime. Were they willing to forgive him? Why or why not? In the end, do you think justice was served to Ile for his crimes? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text that you strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "The Amish Farmer," Vance, a teacher, attempts to tell a story to his students to explain point-of-view. First, describe the story that Vance tells his students. How does Vance believe this story shows point-of-view narration? Do you agree with Vance? Why or why not? Then, describe Vance's students' reaction to his story. How does the reaction from the students exemplify Vance's lesson for the readers? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The story "The Lover of Horses" is a story about obsessions. First, create a list of the obsessions present in the family of the narrator. Which of these obsessions do you think is most harmful to the family's function? Why? Choose one of the obsessions from your list and explain how it leads to heartache for some characters, and a sense of grandeur for others. Finally, explain how the narrator is able to succumb to her own obsessions only as a method of letting her father go. Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

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