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

3. How many feet in the air ways Teft's airplane flying when he was restrained?

4. How many cabins was Shecker assigned to before he came to stay with the Bedwetters?

5. Which camper breaks and tells the bullies the truth - that they are from a boys camp and are on their way back to their campsite?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What type of car do the boys want to steal from the motel parking lot?

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

4. What is "the bump"?

5. How does Cotton react to the final vote about whether or not the quest should end?

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

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

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

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

10. Why did Lally One throw a temper tantrum and kill the animals in camp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Based on the actions of the characters in the novel, what do you think is Swarthout's definition of a hero? In what ways are the Bedwetters heroes both physically and morally? Do you think the Bedwetters are good role models for young boys? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the references to the Vietnam War present in the novel. At what times is the war mentioned? What symbolism can be found in the references to war, particularly the Vietnam War? Do you think the use of a historical event is an effective symbol to convey a message to the larger reading audience? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the Bedwetters suffer from debilitating mental illness or disturbances. Choose two of the Bedwetters and describe their mental struggles throughout the novel. Where did these mental disturbances come from? How were these Bedwetters able to overcome their troubles to function as valuable members of their gang? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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