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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. What is the purpose of the Louisiana island now?

2. What does Dr. Symes show about himself through his conversation?

3. What had Guy recently sent to the President?

4. Who is Mrs. Symes' assistant?

5. Who is the man that Ray encounters as the man takes supplies to Guy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Ray encounter early in his trip to find Norma and Guy?

2. How are Dr. Symes and his mother so different?

3. What is Dr. Symes most recent plan for Jeans Island?

4. Why does Ray change his mind about riding with Jack to find Norma and Guy?

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

6. How is Ray Midge tracking his wife's travels?

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

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

9. How does Guy show that he is essentially a low-life character?

10. How does Ray go about finding the location of Guy's family's farm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare and contrast Ray and Guy. Both men want influence over Norma but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in drama? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

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