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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Rayber say they can no longer go to the museum?

2. What does Rayber realize about Tarwater as he looks into the pool of water?

3. What name does Tarwater scratch off of the card Rayber fills out at the hotel?

4. Why does Rayber hold Bishop in his lap at the park?

5. What does Rayber hear when he turns on his hearing aid the night Tarwater takes Bishop on the boat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Violence and religion converge at many points during this novel. Describe three such times and what is symbolic about the event, how it impacts the characters involved and shapes the rest of the novel. Take time to consider why violence and religion often meet.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout this novel the devil often speaks to Tarwater. Describe these encounters and the effect they have on Tarwater. How does evil battle with good and in this novel which side do you feel "won" and why?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in "The Violent Bear It Away" were often called different names. Rayber was also "the schoolteacher", and Mason was often called "the old man", for examples. Analyze what the different names imply and which characters used varying names to refer to other characters. Were there power struggles evident, or judgments passed? What is the importance of a name?

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This section contains 299 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample