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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 do the Old Man and Bobby visit on their road trip?

2. After what day do the locals leave the beach in Chapter 18?

3. What does the Old Man compare his favorite month of hunting to?

4. Where does the Old Man take a road trip?

5. What does the Old Man feel is approaching in Chapter 26?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Old Man resent Bobby in Chapter 26?

2. Why does Bobby go to Maryland in Chapter 28?

3. Describe Bobby's attitude towards school in the beginning of Chapter 22.

4. Why will Bobby have to steer himself in Chapter 28?

5. Why do the locals love the period after Labor Day in Chapter 18?

6. What does Bobby feel that he does with regard to time and seasons in Chapter 26?

7. Describe how the Old Man demonstrates the power of money to Bobby in Chapter 28.

8. Describe Bobby's interactions with the older men in the town in Chapter 18.

9. Why does Bobby prefer shooting the geese to the quail?

10. How does Bobby discover that quail hunting in February is bountiful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aging and the approach of death is a theme in The Old Man and the Boy. Who is growing old? Who is growing older? How do these characters change over time? How does age influence decisions and the characters' approach to life? Why or why not? Describe.

Essay Topic 2

Ruark employs simple, minimalist, yet effective language that employs powerful symbolism. Choose an example of symbolism, briefly describe it and identify the technique which it embodies.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in The Old Man and the Boy. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

(see the answer keys)

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