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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 old was Mason Tarwater when he died?

2. What type of bushes completely overtook Mason's house and yard?

3. What does Meeks sell for a living?

4. What is Francis' first impression of Rayber?

5. How was George Rayber related to Francis' Tarwater's mother?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Bishop die?

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

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

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

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

9. How did George Rayber go deaf?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In the 1960's, the South was completely torn apart into the old and the new with the new desegregation and anti-discrimination laws that transformed the land. How do you see these laws depicted in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge"? How do Julian and his mother represent the old and new South in the story? What do Julian and his mother fight about most regularly? How do these clashes between Julian and his mother mimic the greater conflicts in Southern society? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters in the story "Wise Blood" have a near obsession with money and materialism. First, describe the way that Motes views materialism in relationship to living a good life. How does Motes feel about himself when people notice his material wealth? How does he feel about himself when people notice his spirituality? For Motes, how are materialism and religion inextricably intertwined? Which, in Motes' perspective, leads to a better life, having money, or having a clean soul? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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