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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The vast majority of the men in the convoy want to take what action in regard to the massacre?
(a) They want to take a detour around the scene.
(b) They want to take no action at all.
(c) They want to provide medical aid.
(d) They want to steal whatever is left.

2. The prologue of In the Distance takes place in the same time frame as what other section of the novel?
(a) The epigraph.
(b) The epilogue.
(c) The 14th chapter.
(d) The end of the novel.

3. Toward what location does Lorimer travel when he parts ways with Håkan?
(a) Clangston.
(b) San Francisco.
(c) Milwaukee.
(d) Saladillo.

4. When Håkan regains consciousness after his period of feverish wandering, he finds himself in what state inside a covered wagon?
(a) Tied down.
(b) Handcuffed.
(c) Gagged.
(d) Blindfolded.

5. In which direction does Håkan travel after escaping from the clutches of the woman in Clangston?
(a) North.
(b) West.
(c) East.
(d) South.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what object does Håkan look around the plains when he hears that Lorimer is parting ways with him?

2. What objects do the survivors of the massacre give to the man who helps their wounded?

3. What substance does Håkan use to protect his skin from the sun?

4. What job had James Brennan held prior to launching an expedition in the United States?

5. Who releases Håkan from his restrained position inside the covered wagon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss an instance when the theme of collectivism appears within the novel.

2. In what way does Diaz feature the motif of sound within the scene of the massacre?

3. Who is Lorimer and what are three of his characteristics?

4. How does Håkan end up on a ship ultimately bound for California, when he had been headed for New York City?

5. As Håkan's first summer away from his family comes to a close, what is said to be "all Håkan could think of" (40)?

6. On what type of food does Håkan survive after he escapes from the diseased woman's clutches?

7. What is distinctive about the large man's coat and what conclusions are drawn about it?

8. How does Håkan feel about his older brother Linus?

9. Describe Håkan's experiences in Clangston.

10. Describe the distinctive opening of Chapter 6 and its use of sensory details.

(see the answer keys)

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