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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. According to Mattie in Chapter 1, her father was wounded in battle in the “terrible fight at Chickamauga up in the state of” what?

2. About how old does Mattie describe Rooster Cogburn as in Chapter 3?

3. The gold coins that were stolen from Mattie’s father were from where?

4. How old is Mattie Ross when she leaves home to avenge her father’s murder in the novel?

5. Mattie says in Chapter 3, “You must pay for everything in this world one way and another. There is nothing free except” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mattie describe the scene when she arrives at the Federal Courthouse to seek out Rooster Cogburn in Chapter 3? Who is being brought in?

2. How is Judge Isaac Parker’s appearance and demeanor described when he enters in Chapter 3?

3. How does Mattie describe the career of Judge Isaac Parker in Chapter 3?

4. How is Yarnell Poindexter described in the novel? Why does he accompany Mattie in Chapter 1?

5. How are the prisoners described that are to be hung in Chapter 2?

6. How does Mattie describe the city of Fort Smith upon her arrival in Chapter 2?

7. How does Mattie Ross describe Tom Chaney in Chapter 1?

8. Who is the executioner in Chapter 2? How is this character described?

9. What leads to Mattie’s disappointment when she speaks with the deputy marshal at the Federal Courthouse in Chapter 3?

10. What was stolen from Mattie Ross’s father when he was killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. How old is Rooster? What does Mattie remark about Rooster’s eye? What personality traits does Rooster exhibit? How does Rooster stand out amongst the other characters in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character of Frank Ross in the narrative and describe the circumstances of Frank’s death. How does Mattie describe her father? Do you think they had a close relationship? Do you think that Mattie relates more to her mother or her father? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Rooster’s failed marriage and his relationship with his son as detailed in the narrative. How did Rooster feel about his son? What does he admit regarding their relationship? Do you think that Rooster’s relationship with Mattie in the story is an attempt to make up for Rooster’s failings with his son?

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