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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. Which of the following descriptions of the man who attacks Francis in the woods is NOT true?

2. What does Francis drink until he is drunk after Mason's death?

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

4. Which of the following activities does Francis refuse to do while he is living with Rayber?

5. Which of the following Biblical stories does Francis think about after his sexual assault?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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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