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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 Mama make with lye water and hog fat?

2. Why does Little Arliss cry when his father goes away?

3. What is Travis doing when he hears Little Arliss screaming?

4. What does Travis think about Old Yeller?

5. How does Travis react to the news about hydrophobia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Travis' father is travelling to Abilene, leaving Travis in charge of the family.

2. Describe Old Yeller's appearance.

3. Explain what Old Yeller does when Travis comes out of the cabin with the whip.

4. What does Tavis do when the bulls start fighting near the cabin?

5. Describe the situation when Travis shoots the deer.

6. Explain what Old Yeller does to save Little Arliss from certain death.

7. Explain what Travis does to the big dog when he sees him for the first time and what is the dog's reaction.

8. Summarize why Mama names the area in which they live Birdsong Creek.

9. Describe the agreement Little Arliss and Burn Sanderson arrange.

10. What is the news that Bud Searcy brings to Mama on his visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare and contrast the actions of the puppy at the end of the novel with the actions of Old Yeller in the beginning of the novel.

2) How do the actions of the puppy help Travis out of his depression over Old Yeller's death?

3) What emotions does Travis express when he sees Little Arliss and the puppy in the drinking water?

4) Discuss the conflicting emotions Travis reveals and explain his future plans for the puppy.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Mama tends to the people in her care.

1) Describe two situations in the novel when characters rely upon Mama to help them or take care of them.

2) What does Mama have at her disposal to use in her role as caregiver, healer, and comforter?

3) Cite examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the relationship between Travis and his brother, Little Arliss.

2) How does Old Yeller affect their relationship with one another?

3) What event changes the way Travis views his brother and how he feels about him?

Give examples from the novel of the interaction between the two brothers.

(see the answer keys)

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