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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 does Billy plan to do if he catches the wolf?

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

3. When Billy encounters a man in a Model T car, what type of animal does Billy imply he is hunting?

4. Who is the rancher's wife?

5. Which Parham family members have already died by the time the family moves?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Billy manages to subdue the wolf.

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

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

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

5. What does Billy do with the dead wolf?

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

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

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

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

10. What life lesson does Billy learn when he visits the old man to talk about trapping?

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 loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 2

THE CROSSING is written in the Western genre. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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