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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 end of the foot race, by how many minutes did the Bedwetters beat the Apaches?

2. How does Cotton hold the buffalo in position while he figures out how to tackle the fence?

3. Which of Cotton's body parts is injured while opening the final fence?

4. Why doesn't Cotton celebrate the buffaloes release?

5. How high are the fences surrounding the buffalo pens?

Short Essay Questions

1. What camp animal did Lally Two bond with, and how?

2. Why does Cotton cut his celebration of the buffaloes' freedom short?

3. What is so surprising about the final fence the Bedwetters encounter at the south end of the buffalo reserve?

4. Who was the first person to kill a bull buffalo while the Bedwetters watched?

5. What emotions do the Bedwetters exhibit in the final scene of the novel?

6. What is Teft's criminal past?

7. How does Cotton propose removing the buffalo from the reserve completely?

8. How is the final fence broken?

9. Who do the Bedwetters imagine seeing them as they drive toward the final fence?

10. Why weren't the Bedwetters given credit for their successful raid of the cabins?

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

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

At the opening of the novel, each of the Bedwetters has their own unique hat which is used to personalize their camp uniform. First, describe the Box Canyon camp uniform in detail. Then, choose three of the Bedwetters and describe their unique headwear. What clues into the characters' personalities can be found in their headwear? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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This section contains 1,056 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample