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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rayber buy for Tarwater at the gas station?

2. What does the stranger's voice tell Tarwater will happen if he performs a baptism?

3. When Tarwater sees Bishop in the water fountain, what does Bishop's face remind him of?

4. What does Rayber think Tarwater is going to do to Bishop as they leave the restaurant?

5. What does Tarwater ask to buy at the gas station?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Violent Bear It Away" is considered to be written in the Southern Gothic tradition which includes a setting in the south and the supernatural, among other elements. Find a definition of Southern Gothic tradition and reflect on how this novel fits or does not fit the definition.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 307 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample