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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. At whose home does Culla ask for a job?

2. Why does the unnamed man struggle on his way back to the cabin?

3. Who or what does the person in #19 find in the woods?

4. What does the unnamed man tell a vendor to get rid of him?

5. Who is about to give birth in the unnamed man's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the squire decide to go after Culla the next morning?

2. Why does the squire decide to go after Culla the next morning?

3. How does Rinthy finally encounter the tinker and why does he question her about the baby?

4. Who is Clark and what job does he offer to Culla?

5. What is the significance of searching in this section?

6. Who does Rinthy go in search of in the town she travels to with the family?

7. How does McCarthy introduce the tinker in the story?

8. What job is Culla doing when he sees angry men headed toward him?

9. Why is Culla angry at his sister for digging in the grave?

10. Describe how Rinthy's quest to find her baby is progressing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book OUTER DARK? Cite an example to support your answer. If you're stuck, think in terms of a Biblical reference.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of greed. Identify at least two examples about greed in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of greed.

Essay Topic 3

McCarthy is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample