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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 Lorena decide?

2. Who is left behind when Call's gunshot scares everyone else away?

3. Where does Gus ride to get medical help?

4. What does Gus tell Call about the cattle drive?

5. Clara says July is as useful as ______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does July finally decide about Elmira?

2. Why does Clara get so mad at July?

3. What does Clara suggest to Lorena?

4. What makes Call mad in Ogallala?

5. What happens to July near the Republican River?

6. When riding and talking with Gus, what confuses Newt?

7. What happens between Dish and Dixon?

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

9. What does Call do for Deets that surprises everyone?

10. What does Deets find on the Arkansas River?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel is full of tragedies, such as the deaths of Sean and Deets. Pick three tragedies in the novel and explain how the surviving characters cope. How are the tragedies similar? How are they different? Are they a result of choices or accident?

Essay Topic 2

Blue Duck and Dan Suggs are both outlaws with formidable reputations. Compare and contrast Blue Duck and Dan Suggs. How are they similar? How are they different? How does each character affect the plot? Does each character get punishment in line with his crimes?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Call and Newt lies at the core of a major theme of the novel. Write an essay detailing Call's feelings for Newt. In what ways does Call show he accepts that Newt is his son? Does he give Newt special treatment over the other cowboys? In what ways does he not accept that Newt is his son? Why does he refuse to claim Newt openly?

(see the answer keys)

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