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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 Billy's horse's name?

2. What do the men on the other side of the river ask Billy for?

3. What does Billy borrow from a border guard when he returns to the United States?

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

5. What does Billy plan to do if he catches the wolf?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to the family dog during the murderous attacks?

2. What does Billy find when he returns home?

3. How does the old Indian foreshadow Billy's life?

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

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

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

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

8. Describe how Billy manages to subdue the wolf.

9. How do Billy and Boyd discuss their parents' murders?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of the light turning rapidly from noon to dusk for Billy. What was the author's intent by painting this image? What message does McCarthy hope to leave for the reader in such symbolism?

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

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.

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