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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 animal head is the trophy for the Apache cabin at Box Canyon Boys' Camp?

2. What is the final vote when the boys decide, as a group, whether or not they are ready to complete their quest?

3. How does Cotton die in his dream?

4. When threats of retuning home arise in the vote, which Bedwetter promises to go on, completing the quest on his own?

5. Why don't the Bedwetters steal a car from the cocktail bar they visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gruesome discovery do the boys make when they reach their destination?

2. Why does Lally Two often act like an infant, and how did that affect his position within camp life?

3. After waking up from his dream, what does Cotton realize has happened in camp while he slept?

4. What unusual supplies do Lally One and Goodenow pack for their dangerous mission?

5. What dramatic event occurred when Teft was flying to Arizona?

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

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

8. Why does the Bedwetters' first choice of transportation out of camp fail?

9. How did Teft save the boys from the abuse of their camp counselor, Wheatie?

10. What do the boys' camp uniforms look like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Swarthout uses the physicality of light and shadows to convey many things, including enlightenment. Choose two examples of times when light and shadows were present in the text and describe how these elements conveyed the emotions of the scenes. In your opinion, were these techniques successful in creating mood and tone? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

How does Swarthout define manhood in the novel? First, describe the definitions of manhood present in Box Canyon Boys' Camp. How does one act like a man in this setting? Then, compare / contrast that to the definition of manhood the Bedwetters have. Which definition do you think is closer to Swarthout's as the author? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

This novel is rife with references to pop culture that are now dated. List at least ten references to pop culture that are present in the novel and explain what they add to the narration. Then, describe whether these references add to or detract from your reading experience as a member of a "modern" audience. Do you think the book would be better off without the pop culture? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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