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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 Clara do to help July make up his mind?

2. Where does Gus take Lorena?

3. When Newt is finally able to see again, what does he find?

4. Who waits loyally for Elmira to regain consciousness?

5. What is wrong with Deets?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sally think of Jake when she hears the rumors?

2. What does Deets find on the Arkansas River?

3. Why does Gus not go after Blue Duck?

4. What does July offer Gus?

5. Why does Clara want Call to change his mind about honoring Gus' request?

6. Why is Po Campo not as excited about reaching Ogallala as the rest of the crew?

7. Why does Newt decide not to shoot the Indians that approach him?

8. How does Lorena feel when she hears about Jake's hanging?

9. What is one of the last things Gus does after Call arrives?

10. Why does July feel guilty?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel includes both lawmen and outlaws throughout the story. The lawmen like Call, Gus, and July try their best to uphold and enforce the law. The outlaws like Blue Duck and Dan Suggs spend their time breaking the law.

Part 1) Pick one lawman and one outlaw and compare and contrast them. What characteristics do they have in common? In what ways are they different?

Part 2) How do the two characters you selected act as if they are above the law, or that laws do not apply to them? Cite examples from the novel.

Part 3) In what ways are the two characters not above the law? Pick events from the story that show how the characters apply the law to themselves.

Essay Topic 2

The style of Lonesome Dove changes in the last few chapters. How does this style change affect the story? Would you end the novel in a different place in the plot? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Clara accuses Call of ruining his and Gus's life.

Part 1) Did Call ruin Gus's life? How or how not? Use examples from the novel to support your answer.

Part 2) Did Call ruin his own life? How or how not?

Part 3) Does Call ruin Clara's life? In what way? Does she blame Call for Gus's death?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 779 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample