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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. Why does the pitchman become angry with the young girl accompanying the blind preacher?

2. Who wrote a letter threatening death to whomever tried to steal the furniture in the house?

3. How long did Motes have to wait for the train to reach Taulkinham?

4. Outside which building does Motes typically preach his sermons?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Motes first meet Sabbath Hawks?

2. What does Enoch Emory believe is his "secret mystery"?

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

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

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

6. How does Solace Layfield die?

7. Who is Mrs. Wally Bee Hitchcock?

8. Who is Gongo the Gorilla?

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

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

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

Many of the characters in the story "Wise Blood" have a near obsession with money and materialism. First, describe the way that Motes views materialism in relationship to living a good life. How does Motes feel about himself when people notice his material wealth? How does he feel about himself when people notice his spirituality? For Motes, how are materialism and religion inextricably intertwined? Which, in Motes' perspective, leads to a better life, having money, or having a clean soul? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

As soon as Mason Tarwater dies, Francis is completely unable to eat. Why do you think the ability to eat is the first to leave Francis in his grieving process? Do you think the lack of food is a conscious or unconscious decision on Francis' part? How does Francis use food as a weapon in his relationship with Rayber? Finally, describe what parallels Francis makes between his own eating habits after Mason's death with the story of the fish and bread from the Catholic Bible. What role does Francis see himself fulfilling in this story? Be sure to include examples from the text that you think help strengthen your arguments.

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