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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 plans does the tall convict make with his lover, once he is released from prison?

2. In what type of landscape does the Cajun man spend his days hunting?

3. After leaving the hut, where does the convict resettle?

4. Under what type of tree is Boon sitting when Ike falls upon him?

5. How old is the young boy when his true name is finally revealed to the readers?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the history of race-relations between Blacks and Whites in the South, as Ike understands it?

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

4. Who is Ash?

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

6. What happens when Ike runs into Boon one last time in the woods?

7. How does the Cajun man hunt alligators?

8. Who finally sells the land on which the hunting camp once stood?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many critics argue that "Spotted Horses" is a story written as a critique of the marketing world, claiming that Hipps, essentially, dupes the farmers into buying what they do not need. How might this story be a critique of capitalism in society? Write a short response explaining whether or not you support this argument from the critics. Be sure to give at least two examples from the text that you believe strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Much of the story of the "Spotted Horses" is about trust. First, describe the trust the farmers of Texas have for the entrepreneur that comes into their town. Then, describe whether or not the entrepreneur deserved the trust of the farmers. Be sure to give at least two examples from the text that you believe strengthen your argument.

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.

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