View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Motes' body found by two policemen shortly before his death?

2. What type of car does Motes buy in Taulkinham?

3. What does Emory believe is his "special mystery"?

4. On his first night back at home, where does Motes sleep?

5. What is the one question Hazel Motes asks Mrs. Wally Bee Hitchcock?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Who is Mrs. Wally Bee Hitchcock?

5. Who is Asa Hawks?

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

7. Who is Gongo the Gorilla?

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

9. From where does Motes purchase his new car?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Julian and his mother rely on their appearances to distinguish themselves from the rest of the outside community. First, describe the way Julian relies on appearance to distinguish himself from those around him. How does he use his appearance, either physical or emotional, to segregate himself? Then, compare / contrast Julian's method of superiority with his mother's method of superiority. How does Julian's mother use her appearance to distinguish herself in the community? Why is being distinguished important to each of these character? How does it affect their relationship to each other? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in the story "Wise Blood" have extreme relationships with religion, and religion is easily corrupted by the characters of this story. First, describe the type of religion Motes grew up with as a child. Then, compare / contrast that religion to the religion he started as an adult. Then, choose one character whose life benefited from extreme religion and compare / contrast their relationship with religion to a character whose life was harmed due to extreme religion. In the end, what message do you think O'Connor was sending to her audience about religion? 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,175 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample