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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 many Indian lodges does Håkan encounter when he is drawn to them by the sound of music?

2. Of what type of men is the caravan's male population composed, according to Håkan's impressions?

3. What is the name of the sheriff's lackey who always backs the sheriff's moves?

4. What animal does Håkan describe as having a head completely out of proportion with its body?

5. The sheriff announces that Håkan will undergo what punishment for his crimes after being paraded through the countryside?

Short Essay Questions

1. What skills inherited from Lorimer does Håkan put to use at the scene of the wagon accident?

2. During the period of time when Håkan travels with the help of a burro and a horse, how does he view his goal destination of New York City?

3. Who is Jarvis?

4. How does Håkan feel when he discovers a rocking chair in the middle of the wilderness?

5. How does the theme of grief enter the narrative when Håkan attempts to buy a certain item from members of the caravan?

6. What is the significance of the wooden dresser Håkan finds in the desert?

7. Which of the five senses does Håkan most strongly associate with the presence of humans?

8. For what reason does Håkan miss his first sign that he may be in danger when he reaches his first town since the killings?

9. In what way is the sheriff's corruption the key to Håkan's freedom?

10. What experience does Håkan have for the first time in the company of Asa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Diaz’s novel In the Distance. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Diaz’s messages about guilt and responsibility within the novel In the Distance. Focus especially on events such as Håkan’s change from thinking about Linus as his potential savior, to seeing himself as the one who needs to find Linus so that he can protect his older brother from the big bad world to which Håkan has been exposed.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Diaz’s use of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices as a means to send particular thematic messages within the narrative of In the Distance.

(see the answer keys)

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