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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. At the time of the quest, how far away is the end of summer?

2. Which of the boys vomited in the Petrified Forest earlier in the day Cotton had his disturbing dream?

3. Which of the following goes wrong when the Bedwetters are attempting to steal a car from the used car lot?

4. Which of the campers sucks his thumb when he's nervous?

5. What part of the bullies' car does Teft damage when he shoots the rifle at it?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Cotton feel when he hears the gang fighting and blaming each other for their plan's failure?

2. Why did the boys finally fall apart, threatening to quit the quest and return to camp?

3. Why did Goodenow threaten to commit suicide over the summer?

4. Where did the boys finally find Lally Two?

5. What happened at the Petrified Forest on the day before Cotton had his alarming dream?

6. While driving into Arizona, what causes a lump to form in Cotton's throat?

7. What is "the bump"?

8. How did Shecker first prompt the Bedwetters' rebellious behavior?

9. What does Cotton dream about in the opening chapter of the novel?

10. What is the end result of Cotton's demand that the boys vote unanimously about whether or not they should continue their mission?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lally Two, arguably, undergoes the largest character maturity in the novel. Describe Lally Two's characters and behaviors at the beginning of the novel and compare / contrast those to his character behaviors at the end of the novel. Then, choose two specific moments in the novel that you believe shaped Lally Two's character growth and explain them here. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Swarthout frequently prints the lyrics for the iconic song "Home on the Range". First, describe what this song traditionally means in America, and what symbolism it has in the novel. Then, describe the effect of Swarthout's gradual distortion of the lyrics. When does he choose to distort the lyrics? What does this distortion symbolize? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The landscape of Arizona acts almost as its own character in the novel. First, describe the Arizona landscape as it is represented in the novel? In what ways does the landscape affect the plot and themes of "Bless the Beasts and Children"? In your opinion, could this novel have taken place in any other setting? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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