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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. Who does Simon talk to at the market?

2. Who joins Simon and Damon's band?

3. What is the band offered to play a big event?

4. What does the band sell a dead animal for?

5. When does Doris lock herself in her room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Doris tell Simon she can no longer write him?

2. What does Doris promise to Simon?

3. Who does Simon dance with at a gig?

4. Why does the band travel to Banquete?

5. Who is Mr. Pressley?

6. Where does Simon finally see Doris?

7. What animal does Simon shoot?

8. Where does Simon stay while in Houston?

9. Where do Simon and Damon stay in San Antonio?

10. Who is Walking David?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explore letters exchanged between Doris and Simon. What is the nature of this correspondence, and how does it impact their understandings of each other? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you explore the theme of service. Who provides service to whom throughout the novel, and what are the consequences or benefits of such service (i.e. service to one's nation, service to a family, or service to an audience that needs to be entertained.) Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's experience fighting in the war. What does he learn from this experience, about life, war, and himself? Use evidence from the text as support.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 438 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample