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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 family at whose farm Boyd has been recovering?

2. Where does Billy work to earn enough money to get bus fare?

3. What does Billy tell Mr. Sanders that his plans are now?

4. Why are Billy and Boyd approached by a gang of men?

5. What is Billy's mother's first name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What obstacles does Billy have when he tries to enlist in the army?

2. What physical defect disqualifies Billy from enlisting in the army?

3. What does Billy do when he arrives in Deming and who shows Billy kindness?

4. Describe the dog that tries to share the barn with Billy to escape the rain.

5. What does Billy learn about how Boyd died?

6. What help does Billy secure for the wounded Boyd?

7. How does Billy finally obtain papers of ownership for the stolen horses?

8. What sort of life direction does the border guard give Billy?

9. Describe the altercation Billy has with some bandits as he travels with Boyd's body.

10. Why are some of the people in a bar mad at Billy without even knowing him?

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 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 2

The author uses more than one theme in the novel. Identify at least two themes in the story and then cite an example to support each theme.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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