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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 mother bear come running to attack Little Arliss?

2. What does Travis do to try to prevent Old Yeller from roaming at night?

3. What does Travis do as the doe keeps approaching him?

4. What does Travis ask his father for before he leaves?

5. What does Little Arliss do to Sanderson?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Summarize the fight between the two bulls.

5. Describe why Travis goes to the Salt Licks to hunt for deer.

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

7. Summarize how Old Yeller controls the heifer, Spot.

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

9. Explain why Travis doesn't want another dog.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze the impact of the Civil War on the American economy as described in the novel.

2) What result does this economy have on the lives of Papa, Travis, Mama, and Little Arliss?

3) Predict how different their lives would have been if the war had not affected the economy.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 721 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample