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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. Why does Harv Kline have candles on display for Christmas?
(a) They are leftover from Eid
(b) He is a candlemaker
(c) He receives them as a promotional gift
(d) His wife gives them to him as a Christmas gift

2. How old is Richard Allen Mesington when he stops believing in Santa Claus?
(a) Sixteen years old
(b) Two years old
(c) He never believes in Santa Claus because of his father's early death
(d) Six years old

3. When does Richard Allen Mesinger die?
(a) 24 December 1993
(b) 4 July 1776
(c) 24 December 1776
(d) 4 July 1993

4. What does Mr. Mesington do for a living?
(a) He is a gunsmith
(b) He works as an auto mechanic
(c) He works in construction
(d) He is an antique dealer

5. How quickly does Richard Allen Mesinger die after being shot?
(a) About five minutes
(b) A few minutes after arriving at the hospital
(c) He dies instantly
(d) After a few hours

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Richard Allen Mesington's first pet dog named?

2. What does Richard Allen Mesington call the first heavy equipment he sees moving earth?

3. When he is an infant, Richard Allen Mesington imitated which animal?

4. Who lives next door to the Richard Allen Mesington family in Missouri?

5. Why doesn't Richard Allen Mesington play with the next door neighbor Harv Kline's son?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the rifle fire after 217 years?

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

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

5. Who is the most sympathetic character in the novel, and why?

6. What message does the novel convey?

7. Describe the early life of Richard Allen Mesinger .

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

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

10. Describe Richard Allen Mesinger's academic performance.

(see the answer keys)

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