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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. Where does Billy get into an altercation with a man soon after entering Mexico?

2. Who is tending more of the Parhams' horses when Billy and Boyd find them?

3. What does Billy use to chase away the animal?

4. According to Boyd's tombstone, what date did Boyd die?

5. The doctor sends Billy for some things he needs such as water and _____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Billy do when he finds Boyd's grave?

2. What does the woman who reads Billy's palm tell him?

3. What does Billy learn about how Boyd died?

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

5. What surprise decision does Boyd make as he is healing?

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

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

8. With what group does Billy find work and what does he do with his first paycheck?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Boyd Parham. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point?

Essay Topic 2

Explain McCarthy's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

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)

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