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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The hunting party at one point comes upon the dead carcass of what animal?
(a) A buffalo cow.
(b) A buffalo calf.
(c) A dog.
(d) A buffalo bull.

2. At the start of the novel, the as-yet-unnamed protagonist rides within a stagecoach on its way to what town to Butcher's Crossing?
(a) Ellsworth.
(b) Garrett.
(c) Bullock.
(d) Swearingen.

3. Andrews is told that McDonald can be found in "a little shack just this side of" (15) what feature?
(a) The only restaurant in town.
(b) The brining pits.
(c) The marsh.
(d) The jail.

4. What is the name of the trail the hunting party takes to reach the Colorado territory?
(a) The Foggy Mountain trail.
(b) The Snake River trail.
(c) The Smoky Hill trail.
(d) The Golden Peninsula trail.

5. For what reason does Miller say that the buffalo hunters they hear on the first night must not "have many hides" (76)?
(a) Because they are traveling deeper into the wilderness.
(b) Because they are moving too slowly.
(c) Because they are moving too quickly.
(d) Because they do not appear to have a skinner with them.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many buildings are described as making up the town of Butcher's Crossing?

2. Who funds the hunting expedition?

3. When the pain in Andrews's legs dulls after a few days, what word does the narrator use to describe how his legs feel?

4. Miller states that the people who come to collect the buffalo bones will use the bones for what purpose?

5. The hunting party leaves Butcher's Crossing on the 25th day of what month?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Miller's reasons for choosing the destination he does for the buffalo hunting expedition?

2. What query is made within the letter from Andrews's father to McDonald and how does McDonald respond?

3. What distinction does Miller make between Boston prostitutes and Butcher's Crossing prostitutes?

4. What is the author's reason for including McDonald's comment to Andrews that "Young folks…don't know what to do with themselves" (22)?

5. What is the significance of the field of buffalo bones depicted in the narrative?

6. What is the main hardship Andrews faces in the first days of the hunting expedition?

7. What signs does the hunting party see that point to the presence of buffalo before they actually see any?

8. How does the theme of racism arise within the character of Miller?

9. What does Miller think is Schneider's real reason for wanting to deviate from the party's planned path to water?

10. What is Andrews's true aim in coming to Butcher's Crossing?

(see the answer keys)

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