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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. How does Travis feel after he shoots his dog?

2. What are the marks that Travis makes on the hogs?

3. What does Travis decide is a good place to shoot Spot?

4. How much longer will Papa be away?

5. What does Mama tell Little Arliss to do as she is about to remove Old Yeller's bandage?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize what Mama must do while Travis is recuperating.

2. Explain the first thing Mama and Travis see as they get closer to the spot where Travis hid Old Yeller.

3. Why does Mama say that is was a good thing Old Yeller was there to save Mama and the others from the wolf, but not a good thing for Old Yeller?

4. Describe Travis' reaction when Lisbeth bring him a puppy as a gift.

5. Explain what Bud Searcy does to help Mama with her chores.

6. Describe what Travis sees after he builds a small fire out of bear grass.

7. Explain why Travis and Old Yeller head out to bat cave country.

8. Describe the circumstances that help Travis come out of his depression over Old Yeller.

9. Describe how Travis plans to mark the remainder of his hogs.

10. Summarize the scene when the Spot heifer returns to the cabin.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Old Yeller is a constant throughout the novel. He is mentioned from the very first chapter to the last chapter.

1) Explain the different images Gipson gives of Old Yeller as the book progresses.

2) What is the significance of Old Yeller's character in each part of the novel?

3) What meaning does Old Yeller have for Little Arliss, Travis, and Mama?

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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