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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. In the story "Judgment Day," what does Tanner recite as he attempts to leave his daughter's apartment for good?

2. In the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge," which of the following is not an action Julian considers to teach his mother a lesson?

3. In the story "The Enduring Chill," why does Asbury not want to see Dr. Block?

4. In the story "Greenleaf" why does Mrs. May freeze when she sees the bull coming across the pasture?

5. In the story "Greenleaf," who does the bull belong to?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the story "Parker's Back," why doesn't Sarah Ruth want Parker to have the Bible tattooed on his back?

2. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," how is Rufus' view of the night sky different than Sheppard's?

3. In the story "Judgment Day," what is Foley's significance in the community?

4. Describe the tractor accident in the story "Parker's Back."

5. Describe Mary Fortune's appearance in the story "A View of the Woods."

6. In the story "The Enduring Chill." what attracts Asbury to the Roman Catholic church?

7. Why is Julian left feeling "guilt and sorrow" at the end of the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge"?

8. In the story "Greenleaf," why does Mrs. May decide to have Mr. Greenleaf shoot the bull?

9. In the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge," why is Julian so disgusted with his mother?

10. Describe Mrs. Greenleaf's process for faith-healing in the story "Greenleaf."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Imagine if one of the stories in this collection was missing from it. Choose one of the stories and "remove" it from the collection. Write an essay:

1) explaining the role that the story plays in the collection;

2) describing how the collection would be different without the story;

3) comment on the quality of the novel without the story--would it be better or worse? Why?

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

For each story in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" there is a "partner" story in the collection. Select two stories that you believe "fit" together and write an essay:

1) describing each story;

2) demonstrating how the two "fit" together;

3) explain what commentary the author is trying to make through these companion stories.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes in the collection of short stories "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is that of science vs. religion. Select three of the stories dealing with this theme and:

1) explain what the story says about science and religion;

2) demonstrate how the theme is developed in the story.

Then explain what you think Flannery O'Connor's overall commentary on science vs. religion is in the novel as a whole.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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