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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 is the only item of furniture left in Motes' home when he arrives there?

2. Which of the following adjectives best describes Miss Wally Bee Hitchcock?

3. What is the name of Motes' landlady at the end of the story?

4. Where does Enoch Emory work?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does fellow street preacher Hoover Shoats do that affects the following in Moats' congregation?

2. What was Motes' reaction when he was drafted to the army?

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

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

5. What is Motes' first impression of Enoch Emory?

6. How does Solace Layfield die?

7. What obsessive acts does Enoch Emory engage in to feel closer to mankind?

8. What is Motes' initial reaction to the town of Taulkinham?

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

10. What story does Sabbath tell Motes about her childhood that makes him pity her?

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

Throughout his life, Francis has two main father figures: Mason and Rayber. First, describe what happened to Francis' real father. Why did he come to believe himself to be an orphan? Then, compare / contrast both Mason and Rayber as father figures. What is the same about their parenting styles? What is different? How did each of these men influence young Francis' life? Finally, explain what message you think Flannery O'Connor is trying to give her audience about fatherhood. What does O'Connor believe the characteristics of a good father are? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Mrs. Greenleaf is a character that causes a great amount of stress in Mrs. May's life in the story "Greenleaf." First, describe Mrs. Greenleaf's character. What parts about her personality are most annoying to Mrs. May? Then, describe the parallels between Mrs. Greenleaf's spiritual life with Mrs. May's spiritual life? What is the significance of Mrs. Greenleaf's request for God to stab her in the heart? How do these words come back to haunt Mrs. May in her own spirituality? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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