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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. For what does Lonnie get permission the night after the state vet comes back?

2. Who returns as Lonnie is just getting up the next morning?

3. What does the vet want to do to a few of the cattle and horses?

4. Where does Lonnie go when he leaves the ranch?

5. What is Granddad unwilling to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Hud's response on the way back from the stockyards when Granddad asks his opinion about the cattle?

2. Who is Jesse and when does he arrive at the ranch?

3. What happens when the state vet arrives the next day at the ranch?

4. What does the State Vet tell Granddad about the cattle?

5. What is Granddad's response to Newt's suggestion?

6. Where does Lonnie go that evening with Jesse and Lonzo and whom does he see?

7. What does Newt say about the dead heifer?

8. How does Mr. Burris reassure Granddad?

9. Where does Lonnie want to go and why does he say he wants to do so?

10. What do Lonnie's friends decide to do after a few games of pool and why are they successful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Horseman, Pass By, unlike perhaps a majority of novels, does not end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Horseman, Pass By and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Horseman, Pass By is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Discuss two ideas from Horseman, Pass By that you find intriguing and why.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of integrity throughout Horseman, Pass By. Who seems to have integrity? Who does not? Why do you think integrity is important to the characters who value it? Why do you think some characters do not think integrity is important? What are some of the symbols of integrity?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of belonging. What are some of the symbols of belonging? What characters value the feeling of belonging? What are some situations, dialogue and/or scenes that reveal the theme of belonging? How do they reflect this theme?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of anger. What are some of the symbols of anger? Which characters seem to be angry? What are some situation, dialogue and/or scenes that reveal the theme of anger? How do they reflect this theme?

Essay Topic 3

Hud cannot forgive Granddad for not helping Hud avoid the draft during WWII. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss what Hud says about Granddad and WWII.

2. Do you think Granddad is right or wrong in refusing to help Hud stay out of the war?

3. What do you think Granddad's motives were in not helping Hud stay out of the war?

4. Do you think Hud uses Granddad's action about WWII as an excuse to behave the way he does to Granddad?

5. Why do you think Hud wanted to avoid going to war? Is it understandable? Is a person who does not want to go to war a coward? Are there honorable reasons for not being willing to become a soldier and go to war?

(see the answer keys)

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