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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. Where does the bullet hit the badger when Burton first shoots her?

2. What is William's response to the search party giving up in Chapter Nine?

3. As John continues his search southwest of the farm in Chapter Eleven, what article of clothing does he find belonging to his brother?

4. What hiding place does Ben stumble into during the storm in Chapter Seven?

5. Who does Ben ask to help bury the badger?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do both William and Ben believe they are responsible for William hitting Ben during the badger skinning?

2. Why does the badger follow John's horse when he rides for home with Ben?

3. Describe why the MacDonald family finally accepts Ben's story as complete truth.

4. What are William's thoughts when Ben asks if the badger will live?

5. Describe the fight between Burton and William.

6. Describe the condition of the MacDonalds in the weeks after Ben's disappearance.

7. Why does the search team from North Corners not turn up any sign of Ben in the two days they spend looking?

8. Why has Ben been unresponsive to his family until he is taken into the house after his rescue?

9. Why is William initially unconcerned about Ben's location in Chapter Nine?

10. Why is Ben afraid of the badger when she returns to her den and finds him there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William and Esther have very different approaches to dealing with their son's disability. Compare and contrast their methods and examine which method seems to be more effective. Be sure to use supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The concept of man versus nature is a recurrent one throughout literature. Examine and explain the ways in which this novel addresses this age-old debate. Use information from the text to support the paper.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Ben's intelligence. The author states toward the beginning of the book that Ben is intelligent in his own way, meaning of course that he has some challenges. Overall, based on his actions and thoughts over the course of the novel, is the author correct? Give three examples of instances in which Ben demonstrates his intelligence and explain why these occurrences are relevant.

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