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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. Where did Mason Tarwater die?

2. Why does Lucette ask congregation members for money at the Powderhead Congregational Church?

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

4. Why won't Mason's neighbors give Francis a drink of water when he requests one from them?

5. What is the name of the lodge Rayber takes Francis to during their one-on-one fishing trip?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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