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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. Why is Ray forced to use some of Dr. Symes' money?

2. How much money did Ray put up for bail?

3. Why is Ray in financial difficulty in Mexico?

4. Who is Dr. Symes' former business partner?

5. How does Ray finance his trip to Mexico?

Short Essay Questions

1. What signs did Norma show that she was unhappy in her life?

2. Why does Ray decide to pursue Norma and Guy and what preparations does he make?

3. What deal does Ray strike with Dr. Symes when Ray has some financial problems?

4. Who is Christine and how does Ray meet her?

5. How does Ray get Dr. Symes into Belize when Dr. Symes is very ill?

6. Who is Ski and why is Dr. Symes trying to avoid him?

7. What does Mrs. Symes believe about her son when she sees him and why will she not give the land in Louisiana to him?

8. Why did Ray not see the signs that Norma was unhappy in her life?

9. Who is Dr. Reo Symes and why does Ray take him with him on the trip?

10. What is "The Dog of the South"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Portis' use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Norma Midge. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her during his lifetime?

Essay Topic 3

How does Portis use the literary technique of local color in "The Dog of the South"? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Belize establishments, in the characters, and in the events.

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