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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 sin causes Motes to fill his shoes in Taulkinham?

2. In what state did Motes grow up?

3. How old is Enoch Emory?

4. How does Motes feel about the blind preacher's religious style?

5. Which of the following items is NOT advertised for in neon lights in the city of Taulkinham?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Who is Mrs. Watts?

6. From where does Motes purchase his new car?

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

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

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

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

Redemption is something that is extremely important to Motes throughout the entirety of the story "Wise Blood." First, explain what it meant to Motes to be "redeemed" when he was growing up. Then, compare / contrast the redemption Motes knew as a child to the redemption he knew as an adult. How did the idea of redemption fuel Motes' attitude toward religion in his adult life? How did Motes feel about redemption in the moments before he himself died? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The hat Julian's mother wears is one of great significance in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge." First, describe Julian's mother's hat and describe her relationship to it. Why is this hat important to her? Then, describe what Julian thinks of his mother's hat and what his reaction is when he realizes the black woman on the bus is wearing an identical one. How does the hat become a symbol not for segregation, as Julian's mother intended, but for equality? What message do you think O'Connor is sending her readers about racial equality through the symbol of the hat? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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