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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. Which part of Sproule's body is badly injured?

2. Where does the gang go to to get clean?

3. What does the man with no hair say the priest is?

4. How many Indians does the gang kill in the initial attack?

5. How long does the fire last?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Kid get to Nacogdoches?

2. How does the Kid get the whiskey?

3. Why does the Kid join the army?

4. Describe the fight between the two Johnsons.

5. Describe the gang's journey toward Texas.

6. How do the cattlemen help out the Kid?

7. Describe the fight between the Indians and the gang.

8. Describe how the soldiers walk into the Indian attack.

9. How does the kid get robbed?

10. What does the Judge do with the dead Indian?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

McCarthy has lived in Texas and Mexico, adhering to the rule that writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that McCarthy knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think McCarthy does not portray a character or setting so well?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does McCarthy's dialogue contribute to the following areas:

1) Character

2) Setting

3) Plot

Essay Topic 3

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his goals and motives. Does he achieve his motives? Why? Does he share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

(see the answer keys)

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