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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. How much money does Billy send to Mr. Sanders after his first payday?

2. Where do Billy, Boyd, and the young girl stay for awhile?

3. What does a girl in the young girl's hometown tell Billy?

4. What name does Billy sign on his army induction form?

5. How old is Boyd when he runs away with the girl?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Where does Billy finally bury Boyd?

6. What are the circumstances in which Billy meets the gypsies?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE CROSSING is written in the Western genre. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

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

Describe Mr. Sanders. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by creating Sanders' character in the novel?

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