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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 is the backwoods boy who grew up in a log cabin in the woods?

2. Whose shoes does Ray borrow when his feet become very sore?

3. After Princess leaves, Japhy comes over to Alvah's house with a guest. Who is it?

4. What does Ray feel Japhy would rather be studying instead of what he is doing at the current moment?

5. What mountain are the men about to hike?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the arrangement that Beaudry and Ray work out?

2. What do the bums of San Francisco tell Ray there is great money to be made in doing?

3. Describe the character of Henry Morley.

4. How well prepared does Ray feel at the end of his shopping excursion with Japhy?

5. What does Ray decide to do once the rest of the family is in bed asleep?

6. What does the bum tell Ray to do in order to cure arthritis?

7. What is the realization Ray has when he watches the way Japhy descends the mountain?

8. Describe Princess as she is seen by Ray Smith when he arrives at Ray and Alvah's house.

9. Describe the character of Ray Smith as he arrives in Los Angeles.

10. Where is Japhy and Ray's campsite for the night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One's perception of one's self can often to lead to decisions that are based on image, rather than internal desire.

Part 1: In this story, how does Ray's perception of himself affect the way he lives his life?

Part 2: In this story, how does Japhy's reception of himself affect the way he chooses to live his life?

Part 3: Is it a good idea to make decisions based on how you want to be perceived? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

At times, Ray seems to be almost a student of Japhy's, listening to everything he says and watching everything Japhy does.

Part 1: What does Ray want to learn from Japhy at the beginning of the manuscript?

Part 2: Is Japhy comfortable with the role of being a teacher? Why or why not?

Part 3: What does Japhy have to learn from Ray, as the story progresses?

Essay Topic 3

One of the basic tenets of Buddhism is the practice of compassion for others. In giving of one's self, one can attain true enlightenment and peace.

Part 1: How do the characters in the story define the idea of compassion?

Part 2: Describe at least two instances in which one character is compassionate to another character.

Part 3: Do the characters in the story seem to be able to be compassionate to each other? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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