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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Ed know he shot the man he and Bobby met earlier?

2. What does Ed do first after reaching the top of the cliff?

3. What does one of the locals who accosted Bobby and Ed with a gun do to Bobby?

4. What change has come about with Lewis while Ed was dealing with the shooter?

5. What does Ed notice about Lewis when they stop for a swim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which event do you think is the one single event that reveals the theme of the story? There are several possibilities, but you are only allowed to choose one. Tell why you think the event you choose is the single most revealing event. Tell how the story changes if that event is eliminated.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is used throughout the story. Give examples of foreshadowing in the story, and tell why James Dickey chose to use it there. Does he use the technique well? Explain your answer. Do you think the use of foreshadowing in the story gives away future events unnecessarily? Does it blunt the impact of those events? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Sex is a theme that recurs throughout the book. Discuss at least three places in the novel where the author uses sex as a tool to advance the plot or build characters. Describe some of the scenes in which sex plays an important part and explain how it is used in each scene and how the use of sex in that scene advances the plot or deepens the reader's understanding of the characters involved.

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This section contains 409 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample