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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. Who did Billy's brother get into a fight with before going off to war?

2. Who tells John Grady he is crazy for wanting to marry Magdalena?

3. What game does John Grady often play with Mac in the book?

4. What war does the old man of the ranch discuss with John Grady during their first conversation?

5. What age is the young woman John Grady becomes fascinated with on his first visit to the whorehouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Magdalena after she spends her first night with John Grady?

2. What is Billy's reaction when John Grady tells him the girl he likes lives at the White Lake whore house?

3. What is the nature of Billy and John Grady's conversation regarding Mr. Johnson in Chapter 2?

4. How does Billy describe a fight between his brother Johnny and their father before his brother's death?

5. How is the cowboy's rivalry with a man called Wolfenbarger described in the book?

6. What happens when John Grady goes to a hotel at the beginning of Chapter 2?

7. What do we learn about Billy's experience with World War II near the beginning of the book?

8. What is the nature of the message Magdalena sends to John Grady through a waiter?

9. How does Troy describe a long drive he once took in the desert?

10. How is John Grady and Mac's game of chess described in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The nature of reality is analyzed throughout the book and is the central theme presented by the author in the book. Part 1.) What elements does the author use to create a realistic portrayal of the characters in the book and the experiences they have, and are they successful? Part 2.) What personal details and emotions are we able to feel towards the characters based on the elements of reality used by the author? Part 3.) How does the author bring reality into perspective when Billy is given a second chance at the end of the book?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the concept of sacrifice that is presented in the book. Why does John Grady decide to sacrifice everything he has in order to have Magdalena, and what can we learn about the nature of his character based on his acts of sacrifice?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of compassion that is presented in the book. What can we learn about the nature of characters like Billy based on his consistent acts of compassion towards his friends, family and even strangers?

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