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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How much linear distance in the bore of the "sweet" rifle is used by a typical loading of powder and patched ball?
(a) None
(b) The entire length of the bore
(c) Two feet
(d) Two inches

2. From what ailment did Richard Allen Mesington suffer as an infant?
(a) Allergies
(b) Cholic
(c) Reynaud's Syndrome
(d) Ear infection and fever

3. Where was Richard Allen Mesington born?
(a) Salt Lake City, Utah
(b) New York
(c) Philadelphia
(d) Willow, Colorado

4. What actually ignites the black powder in the "sweet" rifle as it hangs in Harv Kline's house?
(a) The flint striking the frizzen
(b) A candle flame
(c) A spark form the fire
(d) Harv Kline's cigarette

5. Why doesn't Richard Allen Mesington play with the next door neighbor Harv Kline's son?
(a) Harv Kline's son doesn't like guns
(b) Harv Kline's son is too young
(c) Harv Kline's son drowned as an infant
(d) Harv Kline's son is too old

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Richard Allen Mesington's best friend?

2. For what did sailing ships in the Revolutionary War use black power?

3. How old is Richard Allen Mesington when his family buys their first television?

4. With which relative is Richard Allen Mesington particularly close?

5. What happens to black powder if it is exposed to the air for a long period of time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Sarah steals the rifle from John Byam as he dies; does Tilson steal the rifle from Harv Kline?

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

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

4. Describe the early life of Richard Allen Mesinger .

5. What happens when the rifle accidentally discharges above Harv Kline's fireplace?

6. Describe Richard Allen Mesinger's academic performance.

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

8. 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?

9. Do you think that Harv Kline feels he got a fair exchange with Tim Harrow?

10. Describe the several career paths that Mesinger contemplates during his early life.

(see the answer keys)

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