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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 Phil's response when Rose asks him why he dislikes her so?

2. What reservation rule does Edward Nappo break?

3. What does Rose admit about her piano playing to the Governor and his wife?

4. How does the governor’s wife take advantage of Rose’s stage fright?

5. Rose realizes she is returning to old memories for what reason?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Edward tell his son about life before the reservation?

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

4. What does Peter discover on his explorations?

5. Why does Phil think that George is no smarter than the young cowhands?

6. How do George's and Rose's opinions on inviting other guests to the Governor's dinner differ and why?

7. How does Rose feel about Phil's disappearance during the Governor's dinner?

8. How does Phil react to Rose's work of art in Chapter VII?

9. Why does Jennie, Edward’s wife, not think it wise to tell their son about the past?

10. How does Rose's piano playing go at the Governor's dinner? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Phil's death is sudden, but the question is, is it surprising? Had you predicted Phil's death at the hands of Peter? Why or why not? Are there certain aspects of his death that are shocking or surprising? Why or why not? Why might the author have chosen to remove Phil from the picture by having him murdered rather than in another way? How does this choice to murder him affect the story as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Bullying is an important aspect of The Power of the Dog. What does this story say about bullying, the bully, and the victim? How is this valid and reflect what takes place in our society today? What is the takeaway for the reader, regarding bullying?

(see the answer keys)

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