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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. After Gitano leaves the Tiflin ranch, what does Jody picture him doing?

2. When Carl and Billy first return from being gone when the novel opens, what does Jody smell on their breath?

3. Where does Carl suggest Gitano go after he leaves the Tiflin ranch?

4. Where did Carl get the pony from?

5. Where does Jody get drinks of water from while walking around the ranch?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Jody's mom told him about the mountains?

2. What does Carl mean when he calls Jody "Big-Britches"?

3. What kind of interaction do Nellie and the stallion have when they first meet?

4. Why does Jody go to visit Nellie every day after he brings her back from Jess's ranch?

5. What has Billy Buck told Jody about the mountains?

6. What signals to Jody that Billy Buck and Carl have something unusual planned on the day he is given his pony?

7. What does Carl say to Gitano about what should happen to old things?

8. After he is given the pony, when does Jody begin waking up in the morning?

9. Why does Carl ask Gitano if he has relatives anywhere nearby?

10. While Jody's mother often finds his hands to be dirty, why doesn't she make him wash them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Jody never actually goes to visit the mountains within the novel, they play a key role in the text. Choose three instances where the mountains are discussed and how, in each instance, they play a role within the story (plot development, character development, etc.).

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Gitano, making sure to address the following key points: 1) Why does Steinbeck include him in the story? 2) What function does he serve in the text? and 3) What do we learn about at least 2 other characters from their interaction(s) with Gitano?

Essay Topic 3

The roles and responsibilities of men are a theme of _The Red Pony_. Present an argument paper that argues that Billy Buck OR Carl is more of a father figure to Carl throughout the novel. Make sure to use at least three specific examples from the text to support your position.

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