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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. The girl at El Tigre invites Billy in for a meal of __________________.

2. What does the man in Casas Grandes say that Boyd believes?

3. How old is Billy when he encounters the wolf?

4. What are Billy and Boyd doing when they encounter some Indians?

5. Where do Billy and Boyd find another man with information about the horses?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What are Billy's thoughts when he sees the wolf caught in the trap at the campfire?

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

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

8. How much of Billy's decision not to return home is a conscious decision?

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

10. Why does Billy set a wolf trap in the vaqueros' smoldering campfire?

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

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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