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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 react to Rayber's offer to let him baptize Bishop?

2. Which of Mason's relatives was considered to be an evil drunk incapable of being saved?

3. Why does Buford Munson bury Francis when he finds him, passed out drunk?

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

5. Why did Mason try to kidnap Reyber's son, Bishop?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Rayber agree to take Francis in and take care of him?

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

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

9. What events lead up to Francis vomiting in a lake?

10. How does Francis prove his difficult nature to Rayber after moving in with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story "Wise Blood" is often viewed as a comedic Southern Gothic because it portrays the ugliness of the human spirit in a way so manipulated and bizarre that it could be considered funny. First, describe one character that you believe embodies the "Southern Gothic" style. What makes this character too over-the-top to be believed? What makes this character "grotesque"? Then, explain whether or not you believe this story should be considered a comedy. What, if anything, makes it funny? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Greenleaf is a character that causes a great amount of stress in Mrs. May's life in the story "Greenleaf." First, describe Mrs. Greenleaf's character. What parts about her personality are most annoying to Mrs. May? Then, describe the parallels between Mrs. Greenleaf's spiritual life with Mrs. May's spiritual life? What is the significance of Mrs. Greenleaf's request for God to stab her in the heart? How do these words come back to haunt Mrs. May in her own spirituality? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

When she is getting read to disembark the bus in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge," Julian's mother attempts to give young Carver a penny, much to the rage of his mother. First, explain why Julian's mother hoped to give young Carver a penny. Then, describe Carver's mother's reaction to the gift. Why did she react so violently? Do you think Carver's mother overreacted to the gift? Why or why not? Finally, explain how Carver's mother's reaction echoes the anger and promises of the growing civil rights movement from the time. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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