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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. What does Francis tell Rayber he will do with Bishop before he kills him?

2. What is Rayber's reaction when he realizes Bishop is dead?

3. What food item does the first truck driver give to Francis before dropping him off at the side of the road?

4. When Francis leaves the woods for the last time, what does he promise himself that he will do with his life?

5. Where does the first truck driver tell Francis he belongs when he drops him off at the side of the road?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did George Rayber go deaf?

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

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

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

5. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

6. How does Bishop die?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story "Wise Blood," Motes struggles with the pull between his flesh and his spirit. First, describe the pull that Motes feels between his religious background and his quest against the soul. What actions does this pull lead Motes to partake in? What led Motes to believe that he had no soul? At any point in the story did you agree with Motes that he had no soul? Why or why not? Finally, what was Motes' relationship with his conscience like in his quest to fulfill his flesh? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Both Julian and his mother rely on their appearances to distinguish themselves from the rest of the outside community. First, describe the way Julian relies on appearance to distinguish himself from those around him. How does he use his appearance, either physical or emotional, to segregate himself? Then, compare / contrast Julian's method of superiority with his mother's method of superiority. How does Julian's mother use her appearance to distinguish herself in the community? Why is being distinguished important to each of these character? How does it affect their relationship to each other? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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