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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 does Granddad feel about his cows?

2. What do the boys agree to do?

3. How old is Lonnie at the opening of Chapter 1?

4. What happens when Lonnie's father is shooting a snake that is about to bite Lonnie's grandmother?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Newt Garrett and why does he come to the ranch?

2. What happens that makes Halmea cry and what is her response to Lonnie?

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

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

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

6. What does Halmea think Jesse needs and what is his response?

7. What do the men on the ranch do the next day?

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

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

10. What does Lonzo suggest and what is Granddad's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Alcohol plays an active role in determining the behavior of several of the characters at one point or another in the book. Discuss the following:

1. What is alcoholism?

2. Do you think Hud is an alcoholic? What about Jesse?

3. Is there a time that Lonnie uses alcohol unwisely? Could this be a red flag for Lonnie as to the possibility that he could become an alcoholic? Why or why not?

4. Do you think Hud would have done the things he did while drunk when he was sober? Why or why not?

5. How does Granddad treat alcohol? Do he have a problem with drinking too much?

6. Would you label alcohol as a protagonist or antagonist? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be?

2. The phrase Horseman, Pass By is derived from a poem, "Under Ben Bulben," by William Butler Yeats. Research this reference and discuss the connection it may have to McMurtry's book.

3. If you were the writer of Horseman, Pass By and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 1, Halmea tells Jesse that what Jesse needs is a wife and children, but Jesse answers that he has enough trouble getting by on his own, without having to support a family. Discuss the following:

1. Based on details in the book, do you think Granddad would agree that a man needs a wife? Explain fully.

2. Hud seems the opposite of Granddad as far as settling down goes. He is 35 and has not been married. Fully discuss why you think Hud has not married and if you think he should take Halmea's advice to Jesse for himself. Do you think Halmea would advise Hud to settle down and marry?

3. Evaluate Jesse's reply to Halmea's advice and Jesse's character throughout the book and discuss whether you think Jesse is using finances as an excuse not to marry.

(see the answer keys)

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