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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 is the relationship between Troy and Elton in the book?

2. What body part of Magdalena's does not work properly due to being beaten?

3. What is the name of the club John Grady goes to with a blind man and his daughter in Chapter 2?

4. What do the men from Mac's ranch do to try and beat their rival at the horse auction?

5. Who does John Grady find wandering outside and goes to sit with him in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of Mac's thoughts after attending the horse auction in Chapter 2?

2. What do we learn about Billy's experience with World War II near the beginning of the book?

3. How is John Grady's attempts at taming a wild horse at the beginning of the book described?

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

5. How does Mac choose his horses at the auction he attends in Chapter 2?

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

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

8. How does John Grady come to secure a home for he and Magdalena?

9. What does John Grady do with the blind man and his daughter at the Moderno in Chapter 2?

10. What does Eduardo tell Billy regarding Magdalena after saying she is a "whore to the bone"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the author's portrayal of family in the book. What is the nature of the cowboys' experiences with their families compared to the family they create amongst one another? Do their poor experiences with their actual family intensify their bond with the men they live and work with?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of compassion that is presented in the book. What can we learn about the nature of characters like Billy based on his consistent acts of compassion towards his friends, family and even strangers?

(see the answer keys)

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