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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. With what does Mr. Parham coat traps?

3. What does Billy not do when setting a trap at the vaqueros' recently abandoned campsite?

4. Who is Billy Parham's younger brother?

5. What phrase does Billy utter as he makes his sudden decision upon leaving the campsite?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the boys' encounter with an Indian while they are out gathering wood one day.

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

4. What do the men want from Billy and how does he respond to their demands?

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

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

7. How does Billy provide food and water for the wolf on the trip?

8. Under what circumstances do the boys encounter the young girl?

9. What happens when the wolf gets free of her muzzle?

10. When do the boys first learn about the wolf?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Mr. Parham. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point?

Essay Topic 2

Explain McCarthy's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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