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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. What color is the car the Motes buys?

2. What crew member does Motes speak to at length during his ride home after serving in the military?

3. How does Emory get the Gonga suit from its owner?

4. What branch of the military did Hazel Motes serve in?

5. Who collects Motes' government checks after he blinds himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Motes sleep on his first night home from the army?

2. Where does Motes first meet Sabbath Hawks?

3. What is the aftermath of Layfield's death on Moat's life?

4. What state is Motes' house in when he returns home from the army?

5. How does Emory get his revenge on Gongo the Gorilla?

6. From where does Motes purchase his new car?

7. Who is Mrs. Flood, and what is her relationship to Moats?

8. Who is Gongo the Gorilla?

9. Who is Asa Hawks?

10. What act does Enoch Emory commit that is directly related to his "wise blood"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "The Lame Shall Enter First," Rufus Johnson is a child with a rough upbringing. First, describe Rufus' childhood and the effect these circumstances had on his personality. Then, describe the way Rufus survives in his day-to-day life. What "sins" does he commit on a regular basis? Finally, explain Rufus' moral justification for the sins he commits. What statement about religion and religious text do you think Flannery O'Connor is making through Rufus' character and interpretation of the Bible? Be sure to include examples from the text that you think help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

On several occasions in the story "The Violent Bear it Away," Francis has conversations with a voice that is first called a "stranger" and then a "friend." First, describe who / what you think this voice intended to represent? Is it Francis' inner self against which he is arguing? Then, explain what advice Francis' inner voice gives to him. Do you think Francis is receiving good advice from the voice? Why or why not? Finally, at the end of the story, the voice tells Francis to, "Go warn the children of God of the terrible speed of mercy." What do you think is the significance of these words? Do you think Francis listens to this advice? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

When she is getting read to disembark the bus in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge," Julian's mother attempts to give young Carver a penny, much to the rage of his mother. First, explain why Julian's mother hoped to give young Carver a penny. Then, describe Carver's mother's reaction to the gift. Why did she react so violently? Do you think Carver's mother overreacted to the gift? Why or why not? Finally, explain how Carver's mother's reaction echoes the anger and promises of the growing civil rights movement from the time. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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