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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 is notable about Old Rawhide's derriere?

2. Who is clearly Mrs. Maclean's favorite person?

3. What kind of personality does Norman's brother-in-law have?

4. What do Norman and Paul see when they return from fishing?

5. The story is an _________________ one.

Short Essay Questions

1. Neal declares that he wants to fish but what does he do instead?

2. What happens one night after Norman and Paul spend the day fishing?

3. What do Norman and Paul find when they return to the spot where they left the car?

4. On what is the story based?

5. What favor does Norman ask of his brother, Paul?

6. What do Norman and Paul receive in the form of sermons from their father?

7. Where do the two brothers go fishing?

8. Which of the two brothers is the better fisherman?

9. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

10. Who arrives to surprise Norman and Paul at the cabin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of Norman's ritual of bathing in the river each night after the days spent with Jim. How do you think Norman's days begin? Do you think he can almost feel the grime of Jim's lifestyle rubbing off on him as he spends time with him each day? As far as Norman is concerned, does the river have enough water to wash away the residue of being near Jim Grierson?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of irony as it relates to Jim's not eating any pie even after he has complained relentlessly that the cooks do not serve any pie for breakfast. Why would Maclean choose to include this example of Jim's behavior? Not having pie for breakfast does not seem like a big infraction, so why does Jim not let it go? Then, after he has accomplished his goal of getting pie served in the mornings, why does he not eat it?

Essay Topic 3

Do you feel that Norman is drawn to Bill Bell because Bill is a father symbol to Norman? Norman is seventeen years old and has his own father with whom he has a good relationship so why is Bill's opinion of him so important to Norman? Is Norman's age and inexperience a factor in Norman's feelings? Does he still need the approval of an older male figure, regardless of the circumstances? Explain your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample