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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 Ike come to own the large chunk of hunting land he lives on with McCaslin?

2. What does Ike do for a living now that he has turned down his inheritance?

3. Who is put in charge of ensuring that the tall prisoner makes his way back to the prison and does not escape?

4. What sound does Ike hear as he is walking through the woods that alerts him to Boon's presence there?

5. How does the convict feel when he is out hunting with the Cajun man?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the reaction from the townsfolk when news spreads that both Old Ben and Sam are dead?

2. Who or what kills Major de Spain's colt?

3. What happens when the convict meets the woman of his dreams at a refugee camp?

4. What does Ike claim is the curse that has landed in the South?

5. How do Ike and McCaslin learn the dark truth of their family's history on the plantation?

6. How does the Cajun man hunt alligators?

7. How did Ash attempt to outshine Ike as children, and what was the result of his attempt?

8. How does the convict spend his time during the week he lives with the Cajun man?

9. Who does Ike visit with as he rides through the woods one last time?

10. How is Old Ben killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "Spotted Horses", the escaped wild horses run rampant in the town, creating much damage for the already struggling Mississippi families. First, explain how the horses managed to escape from their pens and then list the damages created by their stampede. Which family do you think came out with the worst damages after the stampede? How can you tell? Finally, explain how the damaged family managed to right their lives again (if they did) and what effect the horse stampede had on this family's relationship with the town.

Essay Topic 2

In the story, "The Bear", the land itself holds great significance to many of the characters in the story. Choose one character from the story and describe their relationship with the land. Where did this character learn their relationship to/with the land? How does their relationship with the land affect this character's actions and motivations throughout the story? Be sure to include at least two examples from the text that you believe help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his life, Old Ben is constantly hunted by a group of relentless hunters who believe the bear to be an almost mythical creature. First, describe the physicality of the bear and explain why he has earned himself such a legendary status. Then, explain the reaction from the hunters once they have finally felled the bear. Is the experience everything they hoped it would be? Why or why not? Be sure to include at least two examples from the text that you believe help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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