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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. Why does the store owner at first refuse to give Mrs. Roberts the meat that she asks for?

2. What draws Joe Clarke's attention to Jim Weston and Dave Carter's fight?

3. Who places Jim Weston under arrest?

4. Why does Daisy come to the store?

5. Why does Joe Clarke tell Marshal Lum Boger to save the mule bone?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Jim and Dave react to the squabbling among the people at the trial?

2. What excuse does Dave offer to prove that he is not on his way to visit Daisy?

3. What do the other characters think of Mrs. Roberts?

4. Describe Daisy's reaction to the accusation that she has come between Dave and Jim.

5. Why does Deacon Simms get frustrated during his defense argument?

6. Why are the men all interested in the hock bone that Joe Lindsay brings to the store?

7. Describe the men's reaction to Deacon Simms' arrival.

8. How does Jim respond to the part of the crowd that throws him out of town?

9. Why are people confused by the ringing of the church bell?

10. How do Dave and Jim compete for Daisy's affections in Act 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the use of tall tales in "Mule Bone." Why are tall tales used in the play and how are they received by other characters? What are the circumstances around the telling of a tall tale? What role does the tall tale seem to play? Be sure to use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the importance of satire in the play. Where do the authors include satire, and what aspects of society are they criticizing? How effective are their attempts at satire? Provide examples from the text to support your point.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how an argument between two men over a girl becomes a community-wide battle over religion. Trace the evolution of the argument, and explain how the conflict evolves. Use specific examples to support your observations.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 985 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample