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

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

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

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

5. What does Billy do in the days after he buries Boyd?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. How do Billy, Boyd and the young girl survive over the next few days and what is their ultimate arrangement?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Billy 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

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

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

(see the answer keys)

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