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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. After John Byam, what act is never performed on the "sweet" rifle?

2. From age nine to ten, Richard Allen Mesington believes he will pursue which profession?

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

4. How quickly does Richard Allen Mesinger die after being shot?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why don't the Mesinger and the Kline children play together?

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

4. What does Richard Allen Mesinger think about his neighbor Harv Kline's antique gun?

5. Describe the chain of events that leads to the rifle being accidentally discharged.

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

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

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

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

10. How does the rifle fire after 217 years?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel argues that during the Colonial period rifles were needed tools but that in today's society they are no longer useful. Discuss this contrast.

Essay Topic 2

Of the major characters in the novel (Cornish McManus, John Byam, Tim Harrow, Harv Kline, and Richard Allen Mesinger), are any of them villains? If not, why not. If so, who is a villain and why do you consider them to be a villain?

Essay Topic 3

Cornish McManus is described as an excellent gunsmith but an indifferent shot. Discuss how it is possible to be very good at one thing but not very good at something else that is closely associated.

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This section contains 624 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample