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

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Bishop do with his hat when he was on the boat with Tarwater?

2. How does Tarwater describe Bishop's drowning?

3. After leaving the gas station, what does Tarwater hunger for in addition to food and drink?

4. What does Tarwater keep telling himself while walking?

5. What happens when Tarwater tries to eat while walking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the motif of death in "The Violent Bear It Away". What does each death represent and reflect? How are characters described through death? How does death drive this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Tarwater's internal conflict is centered on baptizing/not baptizing Bishop. Follow this conflict from the beginning of the novel to the end. How do other people affect Tarwater's conflict? How does Tarwater argue for and against baptizing Bishop? Discuss and analyze the resolution.

Essay Topic 3

This novel is set in the American South. Describe the setting, culture, and ways of the American South and how it impacted the novel and characters.

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