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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 liquid did Goodenow slip in when trying to climb over the fence?

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 old is Lally Two, the youngest of the campers?

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

5. Who does Cotton blame for the truck running out of gas?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do the boys respond when they are first harassed by the bullies at the bowling alley?

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

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

5. Where did the boys finally find Lally Two?

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. Why are Lally One and Shecker left behind during the drive toward the quest?

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

9. Why aren't the boys arrested when they unexpectedly run into a police car while trying to steal a car?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, there are various references to the Wild West and Western films. Choose one scene or film and describe it in detail here. How do you think the Wild West affected the Bedwetters' sense of adventure and morals? How do you think their beloved Western films affected their quest? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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