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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. Miller states that it is "likely as not" (184) that Schneider has done what in the night?

2. Schneider is drawing how many dollars per month during the buffalo expedition?

3. What substance does the person who poisons the wolves use to poison them?

4. What is NOT an element of the hunting party's breakfast on the first morning of the hunt?

5. Once the men get a fire started, who thrusts "his boots close to the fire, and almost into it" (186)?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Miller's explanation of his shooting mistake jibe with Andrews's own feelings about fate and consciousness?

2. What does the loss of the buffalo hides in the river symbolize?

3. Why must the men construct a wooden and canvas tent once they set up for the hunt?

4. What is demonstrated about Miller's character when he voices the desire to bring back a huge load of hides to show the hunters in Butcher's Crossing?

5. How does Schneider feel about the coming of winter and why?

6. How does Schneider's death occur?

7. How is Miller's monomaniacal nature demonstrated in his response to Schneider's comment that they do not have to hunt any more buffalo?

8. How does Williams depict Andrews's change in perspective in relation to the grisly task of skinning buffalo?

9. How does Andrews's view of Miller change during the last hour of the buffalo hunt?

10. What is the result of Miller's decision to keep hunting after Schneider protests the extension of the hunt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about John Williams's novel Butcher's Crossing while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the book.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of John Williams's novel Butcher's Crossing and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

How is the motif of dreams included and treated within John Williams's novel Butcher's Crossing and how does its treatment relate to the book's depicted messages?

(see the answer keys)

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