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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 Little Arliss do to Sanderson?

2. Why is Travis concerned about being the man of the family?

3. What does Travis' mother instruct him to do while he is doing his chores?

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

5. What is Mama's reaction to Sanderson's first suggestion?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe how Travis treats Old Yeller after the dog saves Little Arliss.

3. Summarize Travis' feelings for Bud Searcy's daughter, Lisbeth.

4. What is Burn Sanderson's offer regarding Old Yeller and why doesn't Mama accept it?

5. Describe Old Yeller's appearance.

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

7. Describe Little Arliss' reaction to Burn Sanderson's news.

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

9. Describe the situation when Travis finds Spot and her new calf.

10. Summarize the fight between the two bulls.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Summarize how Fred Gipson uses local color and imagery to describe the cabin and Birdsong Creek.

2) Cite descriptive examples of the interior and exterior of the cabin, the area around Birdsong Creek, and the places Travis and Old Yeller travel during the novel.

3) How does the imagery Gipson uses depict a clear and accurate picture of the cabin and surrounding landscape?

Essay Topic 2

1) Interpret the feelings Travis and Lisbeth have for each other in the first part of the novel when they are visiting.

2) Are their emotions authentic for their ages?

3) Are they truthful with each other?

4) Compare these emotions with how they interact later in the novel when Lisbeth is staying at Travis' house.

5) What regrets do they have at the end of the novel with regard to their relationship?

6) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

1) Analyze the resolution of the story as it relates to each of the characters in the novel.

2) Explain the metamorphosis each of them experiences in the final chapter.

3) Describe how Papa's words," A man can't afford to waste the good parts of life, worrying about the bad parts. That makes it all bad..." relate to Travis, Little Arliss, and Mama.

(see the answer keys)

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