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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 the man who attacks Francis slip him drugs?

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

3. Where does Francis drown Bishop?

4. How does Francis react to Rayber's offer to let him baptize Bishop?

5. What emotion is Rayber overcome with when he stoops down to tie Bishop's shoelaces at the Science Museum?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Enoch Emory is generally considered to be one of the most pathetic and sympathetic characters in all of modern literature. First, describe Enoch Emory's character. What motivated him in life? What did he have to show for all the effort he put into his work? Then, describe what Emory's greatest desire in life was. How did this desire lead to Emory stealing the gorilla suit at the end of the story? In the end, do you think Emory was happy with the way his life ended? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Both Asa Hawks and Hazel Motes go through the process of blinding themselves in the story "Wise Blood." First, describe the situation in which Asa Hawks blinded himself. Then, compare / contrast Hawks' motivations in blinding himself with Motes' motivation in blinding himself. What did each of these men hope to gain from their actions? Were they successful? Why or why not? What methods did each of these men use to blind themselves? What does this action tell the reader about their characters? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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