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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. According to the girl, what type of man is useless?

2. How does Billy try to help the wounded horse?

3. What does the border guard tell Billy when he crosses back into the U.S.?

4. What does Billy do while sitting on the roadway?

5. What does Billy do with Boyd's body when he finds it?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Boyd begin to attain the role of a folk hero?

4. Who does Billy visit before setting off on another long trip?

5. What does Billy's jealousy of Boyd's relationship with the girl prompt Billy to tell the girl?

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

7. Where does Billy search for Boyd and what does he learn about his brother?

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

9. What name does Billy use when he signs the army enlistment form?

10. Why does the army recruiter seem to take a special interest in Billy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Billy's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 2

McCarthy is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, then briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,340 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample