View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who lives next door to the Richard Allen Mesington family in Missouri?
(a) Cornish McManus
(b) Harv Kline
(c) Tim Harrow
(d) John Byam

2. What was Richard Allen Mesington's first pet dog named?
(a) Sissy
(b) Peggy
(c) Sarah
(d) Bughoe

3. With which relative is Richard Allen Mesington particularly close?
(a) His adopted little sister
(b) His grandfather
(c) His son
(d) His cousin

4. According to the novel, how fast is the rifle ball traveling when it hits Richard Allen Mesinger?
(a) About 20 miles per hour
(b) 1,000 feet per second
(c) About 30 long paces
(d) Mach 2

5. About when were Harv Kline's two children born?
(a) 1993 and 1995
(b) 1776 and 1778
(c) 1982 and 1984
(d) 1865 and 1867

Short Answer Questions

1. From age seven to nine years old, Richard Allen Mesington believes he will pursue which profession?

2. Why does Harv Kline have candles on display for Christmas?

3. According to the novel, how many movies did Richard Allen Mesinger watch in an average year?

4. According to the novel, what would Richard Allen Mesinger have done had he not been shot?

5. According to the novel, how long was Richard Allen Mesinger "supposed" to have lived?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is the "sweet" rifle a work of art?

2. What message does the novel convey?

3. How many people own the "sweet" rifle?

4. Describe the chain of events that leads to the rifle being above Harv Kline's fireplace.

5. What experiences does Mesinger have with firearms in his life?

6. Describe Richard Allen Mesinger's early teenage life.

7. Was the "sweet" rifle fundamentally different from other rifles of the period?

8. How is Harv Kline characterized in the novel?

9. Tim Harrow is characterized as a fringe "crazy" person; the narrative openly mocks him. What actions does he perform in the novel that would make you shun him in the real world?

10. Throughout the 217 year history of the "sweet" rifle, what is it functionally used for?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 681 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample