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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. What does the storekeeper ignore?

2. What does Newt say about the heifer?

3. Who counsels Lonnie to not waste time thinking about "what if?"

4. Who lives on the family ranch with Lonnie?

5. What does Mr. Burris say needs to be done?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lonnie's family members who live at the ranch.

2. How does Lonnie feel after hearing the conversation between Hud and Granddad and what does he do?

3. How do Jesse's stories affect Lonnie?

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

5. How does Lonnie feel about the new technology?

6. What do the boys do after returning to Thalia?

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

8. How does Mr. Burris reassure Granddad?

9. What does the vet want to do to determine the strain of the disease and why does he want to do so?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some plots seem to be more character-driven and some more action-driven; some seem balanced. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. What type of plot do you think Horseman, Pass By is? Explain.

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

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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