View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Halmea doing in the kitchen when Lonnie carries in groceries?

2. Why is Mr. Burris dismayed?

3. Of what does Lonnie dream?

4. Of what does Jesse complain?

5. What does Mr. Burris suggest as an alternative means for money?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Burris reassure Granddad?

2. What does Lonnie think about in the Prologue?

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

4. What is the most exciting event of the year for Thalia and how does Lonnie feel about it?

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

6. Who is Halmea and what does Lonnie think of her?

7. For what is Hud late the next morning and what is Granny's response?

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

9. What happens to Lonnie while helping test the cattle and what does he do?

10. Why doesn't Granddad want to drill for oil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In the Prologue, Lonnie reminisces about his childhood on his family ranch in Texas, and how times have changed. He remembers how much slower life was before the arrival of mass communication. Discuss one of the following:

1. Using details from the book, compare/contrast life on the Texas ranch in the mid-1950s with how you would project life would be in the early 21st century on a Texas ranch.

2. Many people, especially as they go into their middle and senior years, idealize childhood. Do you think Lonnie is idealizing his childhood? Why or why not? Why do you think many people idealize their past? Do you think Lonnie's childhood is ideal?

3. Lonnie says that technology has pushed aside the rural way of life, changing things forever. Do you believe that technology and the rural way of life are incompatible? Discuss using details from the book and from other sources.

Essay Topic 3

Setting as far as place and time play an important role in Horseman, Pass By. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the setting of that day from how it would be today. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. Do you think Horseman, Pass By would be different if it were set in another state in the United States, such as California, in that same era? Consider particularly the fact that Texans often have a strong identification as Texans.

3. What issues that are present in the time of Horseman, Pass By would still be issues today? What would no longer be issues? Consider such things as class, racism, alcoholism, sexual freedom, rugged individualism and integrity.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,224 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample