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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 Teal Eye respond to Boone when she sees him in Chapter 30?

2. Remembering what Jim said, who mentioned the goats in the mountains that causes Boone to hunt for them?

3. As the men contemplate where to go for supplies in Chapter 40, how far away is Flathead Mouse?

4. While seeing no signs of Indians in Chapter 36, what does Boone begin to wonder?

5. How many children does Dan have when Boone returns home in Chapter 45?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Boone stop at Paoli on his way back home in Chapter 44?

2. How does Boone react to the attack in Chapter 36?

3. What offer does Peabody have for Boone and how does Boone respond?

4. What is Jim talking about in Chapter 38 and why does Boone decide to leave?

5. What is Jim wondering about Boone's intentions in Chapter 26?

6. Which difficulties is Boone having in adapting to a civilized life with his family in Chapter 45?

7. Where do Boone and Jim eventually find the remnants of Teal Eye's tribe and what does Boone do when they get there?

8. What concerns does Red Horn have and how does Boone reply to them?

9. Why and how does Dick leave Boone and Jim in Chapter 25?

10. What discussion do Boone and Teal Eye have before he leaves for Oregon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Guthrie uses symbolism, foreshadowing, and the weather to bring his story to life.

1) Analyze three examples of symbolism in The Big Sky.

2) Analyze three examples of foreshadowing in The Big Sky along with the events they foreshadow.

3) Analyze Guthrie's use of the weather and scenery to enhance the events that take place throughout the book, including a description of at least two examples.

Essay Topic 2

The beginning of The Big Sky is also the beginning of Boone's journey to the West on his own.

1) Describe the events that lead to Boone's decision to leave home for the first time.

2) Explain Boone's options and what might have happened if he had chosen to stay.

3) Analyze Boone's decision to leave and its importance to the overall plot of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze at least three examples of Boone's temper and the negative effect it has had on his life, including the results of his inability to control it, the things it has cost him, and the people he has hurt because of it.

(see the answer keys)

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