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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. Who confronts Magdalena about whether or not John Grady knows she is sick in Chapter 3?

2. Which of the following words would not describe Billy when the book fast-forwards in the Epilogue?

3. Where does Magdalena wake up after having a seizure in a cab in Chapter 3?

4. What does John Grady do after identifying Magdalena's dead body?

5. Who does Billy punch at the White Lake after Magdalena's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Billy's work with a family at the end of the book described?

2. How does Magdalena react when a woman offers to help her after she escapes from the hospital?

3. How are Billy's actions described when he goes to the White Lake after Magdalena's death?

4. How is Eduardo killed?

5. How do the cowboys inadvertently break the necks of some wild dogs they track in Chapter 3?

6. How does John Grady discover that Magdalena has died?

7. How are John Grady and Billy able to coerce their horses to go to the top of the mesa?

8. How does Magdalena end up in a hospital?

9. What is the nature of the blind man's response to John Grady when he asks him to pray for him?

10. What is the nature of Billy's conversation with a police officer after discovering Magdalena was dead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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