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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. How does Francis know that he has been sexually assaulted?

2. What weapon did Mason pull on Rayber when he came to collect Francis after the kidnapping?

3. Why did Mason kidnap Francis?

4. Where did Mason leave Rayber when he was a boy, to prove that God would provide for him?

5. Which of the following Biblical stories does Francis think about after his sexual assault?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Bishop die?

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

6. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

7. Why does Francis fear having to bury his uncle at the opening of the story,"The Violent Bear it Away"?

8. How did George Rayber go deaf?

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

10. How does Mason's neighbor, Buford Munson, react when he hears that Mason is dead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On several occasions in the story "The Violent Bear it Away," Francis has conversations with a voice that is first called a "stranger" and then a "friend." First, describe who / what you think this voice intended to represent? Is it Francis' inner self against which he is arguing? Then, explain what advice Francis' inner voice gives to him. Do you think Francis is receiving good advice from the voice? Why or why not? Finally, at the end of the story, the voice tells Francis to, "Go warn the children of God of the terrible speed of mercy." What do you think is the significance of these words? Do you think Francis listens to this advice? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the novel, it becomes clear that Mason Tarwater and George Rayber are both interested in Francis' redemption. First, describe what these two father-figures consider redemption to be. What do each of these men believe Francis needs to be redeemed from? Do you agree with them? Why or why not? Then, explain how each of these men attempted to inculcate their ideas into young Tarwater. Were they successful? Why or why not? Then, describe Francis' redemption process. At the end of the novel, do you think Francis is redeemed for the sins he committed in childhood? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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