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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 had predicted what would happen with the wolf?

2. How does Billy warn the vaqueros about the new trap in the abandoned campfire?

3. What does Billy do when the wolf tries to run?

4. What kind of animal do Billy and his father find in the trap?

5. What do Billy and Boyd see in the Mexican town of Morelos?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are Mr. Parham's instructions for Billy when he heads out to check the wolf traps?

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

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

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

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

8. What eventually happens to the wolf?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book THE CROSSING? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does McCarthy use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

THE CROSSING is a classic coming of age novel. What does this classification entail? Explain why THE CROSSING fits into this category.

(see the answer keys)

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