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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. Why can Magdalena not finish the story of how she became a prostitute to John Grady?

2. Who gives John Grady a hard time about being "really something" near the beginning of the book?

3. What is the name of Billy's brother that died in the war?

4. Who helps Billy fix his truck after hitting a bird?

5. How much does Billy have to pay the barman to see Eduardo when he visits his office for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Billy tease John Grady after he stays up all night trying to tame a wild horse?

2. How does the windshield of the truck Billy and Troy are traveling in get busted in Chapter 1?

3. What is Billy's reaction when John Grady tells him the girl he likes lives at the White Lake whore house?

4. How does Billy react when John Grady tells him he wishes to marry Magdalena?

5. How does John Grady tell Mac he knew a man's horse was lame when he brought it to them?

6. How is John Grady and Mac's game of chess described in Chapter 1?

7. What is the nature of John Grady and Mr. Johnson's first conversation in the book?

8. What is John Grady's first impression of a young Mexican girl he sees at the beginning of the book?

9. What happens when a man brings his horse to be trained at Mac's ranch in Chapter 1?

10. How is Billy able to speak with Eduardo for the first time in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The nature of reality is analyzed throughout the book and is the central theme presented by the author in the book. Part 1.) What elements does the author use to create a realistic portrayal of the characters in the book and the experiences they have, and are they successful? Part 2.) What personal details and emotions are we able to feel towards the characters based on the elements of reality used by the author? Part 3.) How does the author bring reality into perspective when Billy is given a second chance at the end of the book?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the concept of work ethic that is presented in the book. What can we learn about the nature of John Grady's character based on his incredible work ethic, both positively and negatively? How might his work ethic have played a role in his eventual demise?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's portrayal of the concept of escape in the book. What symbolic meaning might the author wish for Magdalena and John Grady's attempts at escaping their own reality?

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