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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. The novel states that black powder has what chemical property?

2. How old is Richard Allen Mesington when he has his first crush on Peggy?

3. When the Mesington family moves away from Willow, Colorado, what state do they move to?

4. After whom was Richard Allen Mesington named?

5. How many close friends does Richard Allen Mesington have during the first few years of his life?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. The novel summarizes the life that Richard Allen Mesinger "would" have had if he had not been killed. Is this a valid narrative technique?

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

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

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

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

7. How does the rifle fire after 217 years?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel portrays the British during the American Revolutionary War as violent and foolhardy. Do you agree with this portrayal? Discuss why enemy troops always are vituperated in the media.

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

In the novel, the black powder rifle discharges after 217 of being loaded. Is this credible? Or is it merely a piece of melodrama to establish a political opinion within the novel?

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