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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 news does Lisbeth tell Travis about her dog, Miss Prissy?

2. What is the first suggestion Sanderson gives to Mama about keeping Old Yeller?

3. What keeps Travis and Old Yeller busy all night long?

4. What does Sanderson tell Travis about the plague of hydrophobia?

5. What does Travis compare Little Arliss' screaming to?

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. Describe the bad news that Travis and his family get after taming Spot.

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

5. Explain why Travis doesn't want to shoot a javelina hog.

6. Describe the situation that Travis sees when he hears Little Arliss screaming and runs to help him.

7. Summarize the items that Little Arliss brings home in his pockets.

8. Explain the disturbing news that Lisbeth gives to Travis.

9. Summarize the warning the Burn Sanderson gives to Travis before he rides off.

10. Why do Travis and Old Yeller sleep in the corn patch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze Travis' coming of age throughout the novel.

2) What fears and emotions does he experience as he grows in each chapter of the novel?

3) How do his attitudes change as he develops from the boy when his Papa leaves to the young man at the end of the novel?

4) Cite examples of the character changes Travis goes through from different events in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze the events leading up to Old Yeller's death at the end of the novel.

2) Describe the symptoms and dangers of hydrophobia as seen in the novel.

3) Explain if Travis had any other alternatives other than shooting Old Yeller in the head.

4) Is Travis justified in his killing of Old Yeller? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

1) Analyze Travis' struggles with having to deal with such extreme responsibilities at such a young age.

2) Discuss the courage he displays in each of the violent situations he finds himself involved in.

3) How does Old Yeller help him find the courage he needs to protect his family? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 730 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample