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

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

3. According to Meeks, what does H.L.L stand for?

4. How does Rayber react to the news that his uncle, Mason, is dead?

5. How old is Francis when Mason Tarwater dies?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

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

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

7. Why was Mason Tarwater admitted into a mental institution, and how did he get out?

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

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

10. How did Francis Tarwater come to live with his great-uncle Mason?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,195 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample