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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 happens when Goodenow slips climbing over the fence?

2. How many cabins was Shecker assigned to before he came to stay with the Bedwetters?

3. Why does Shecker want to abandon the plan and return to camp?

4. Which family member is Goodenow most close to?

5. How do the boys finally sneak out of camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Cotton dream about in the opening chapter of the novel?

2. Why are Lally One and Shecker left behind during the drive toward the quest?

3. Why did Goodenow threaten to commit suicide over the summer?

4. How did Shecker first prompt the Bedwetters' rebellious behavior?

5. How do the boys respond when they are first harassed by the bullies at the bowling alley?

6. What mode of transportation do The Bedwetters use to leave camp, and how do they feel about this method of escape?

7. What is "the bump"?

8. What happened at the Petrified Forest on the day before Cotton had his alarming dream?

9. What gruesome discovery do the boys make when they reach their destination?

10. How did Teft save the boys from the abuse of their camp counselor, Wheatie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the opening of the novel, Cotton has a disturbing dream about the buffalo reserve where he and his fellow camp mates travel later in the novel. What are the important elements of Cotton's dreams? What message can be drawn from the imagery? In what way is Cotton's dream foreshadowing for the later events of the novel? Be sure to use examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

At the opening of the novel, Glendon Swarthout leads with an epigraph of the nursery rhyme "Little Boy Blue". Why do you think Swarthout chose this nursery rhyme to open his novel? What symbolism can be found in these opening lines to the major themes of the novel? Finally, explain whether or not you believe this epigraph is appropriate for the novel, and why. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Based on the actions of the characters in the novel, what do you think is Swarthout's definition of a hero? In what ways are the Bedwetters heroes both physically and morally? Do you think the Bedwetters are good role models for young boys? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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