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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 crime had Mason committed leading to his incarceration in the mental institution?

2. Who does Francis think is speaking to him when he hears the voice of his "friend" in his ear?

3. Why won't Mason's neighbors give Francis a drink of water when he requests one from them?

4. Why did Rayber's wife leave him?

5. When Francis arrives at Rayber's front door, what does he say happened to Mason's body?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Francis' initial reaction when he meets his cousin, Bishop?

2. What event at the science museum jars Rayber into remembering his own religious childhood?

3. Who is Lucette, and what impact does she have on Rayber when the meet?

4. What type of interaction does Francis have with the second driver that picks him up from the side of the road?

5. What conversation does Francis have with Meeks right after Mason dies?

6. What is Francis' reaction when he figures out that Rayber has followed him to the religious revival?

7. What type of interaction does Francis have with the first truck driver that picks him up from the side of the road?

8. How did George Rayber come to live with his uncle, Mason?

9. How does Francis rebel against Mason after his death?

10. Who is Francis' "stranger" who is later referred to as his "friend"?

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

Throughout his adult life, Mason Tarwater often tried to communicate with Rayber, whom he considered to be his lost son. One of the methods through which Mason communicated with Rayber was through a journal. Why did Mason start writing in Rayber's journal in the first place? What was Rayber's reaction to the journal when it was unearthed? Finally, explain what you think the meaning of the message, "The prophet I will raise up out of this boy will burn your eyes clean," which Mason wrote to Rayber about Francis. Did the old man's promise ever come true? Does Tarwater ever open Rayber's eyes? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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