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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 name of the Parhams' other horse?

2. When Billy shoots a ___________, he and the wolf eat the entire thing.

3. What is Billy's immediate reaction upon seeing the wolf?

4. Billy is confused about whether to kill the wolf or ____________________.

5. What do the Parhams do in Mr. Echols' cabin?

Short Essay Questions

1. When is the last time that Billy sees his father?

2. How does Billy choose to go to Mexico instead of returning home?

3. What has made the wolf leave her home in Mexico to roam in the United States?

4. Cite some examples that point out the relationship between Billy and Boyd.

5. Where does Billy stop with the wolf on the way to Mexico and what care is provided for them?

6. What does Billy do with the dead wolf?

7. What role does the dog play in the story and what does it come to symbolize?

8. How does Billy reunite with Boyd and how do they escape?

9. What eventually happens to the wolf?

10. What trouble waits for Billy after crossing the river with the wolf who can't swim because of being muzzled?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of doing the right thing. Identify at least two examples about doing the right thing in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of doing the right thing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

McCarthy uses more than one instance of irony in the story. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony. What is the major irony in the story? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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