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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 many calves does Phil brand in the spring?

2. How does Rose feel about what took place when she attempted to confront Phil in Chapter XI?

3. What does the Governor’s wife wonder out loud to her husband?

4. How does Phil respond to Rose and Peter's improper dinner behavior?

5. Where does Peter like to stand to observe and listen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to disturb Phil's peace at his secret swimming hole?

2. What does Rose do to feel a bit more like herself in Chapter VII?

3. How does Edward decide to venture off the reservation?

4. What does Jennie pack for Edward and their son for their journey?

5. How does Rose get herself into trouble with alcohol?

6. As the Governor and wife return home from the dinner with George and Rose, what do they both think about the dinner and Rose, in particular?

7. How does Phil react to Peter's arrival at the ranch?

8. What does Phil think about Indians?

9. Why is the Governor's wife jealous of Rose?

10. For what is Rose recognized in high school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the story progresses, much less time is spent on George. Why might the author have chosen to move him to the background? What might be George's thoughts and feelings regarding Rose's drinking, Phil's behavior, the relationship between Phil and Peter, and Phil's death? How does the information from the story support your response?

Essay Topic 2

The haves versus the have-nots is an important idea in The Power of the Dog. How does this disparity in assets affect the relationships between the characters? How are they all - the wealthy, the middle class, and the poor - never truly happy? Why? What is missing from all of their lives?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the story Phil feels like a loner. Early on in the story, he cannot quite pinpoint why. How does his understanding of himself develop throughout the story? How does the understanding of oneself affect him? How can the reader relate to this deeper understanding of oneself and the struggles that come with it?

(see the answer keys)

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