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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 new item does Billy have with him for this trip into Mexico?

2. Who/what does Billy find when he arrives at the Munoz house again?

3. In Billy's dream, what does Boyd reply when Billy asks him what it's like to be dead?

4. How old is Billy when he goes to the army recruiting station?

5. What is the only way Billy can join the military at his age?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What are the circumstances in which Boyd gets shot?

5. How does the author show what Billy is thinking in this story?

6. How can Boyd's emerging folk hero status be considered a form of foreshadowing?

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

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

9. What is the dream that Billy has about Boyd?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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