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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. An old man tells Billy that trying to catch the wolf is like trying to catch a ____________________.

2. What do Billy and Boyd see in the Mexican town of Morelos?

3. Where had Boyd thought Billy had gone during Billy's time away from home?

4. What does the rancher's wife give to Billy before he continues his trip?

5. Who rides with Billy and Boyd?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the men want from Billy and how does he respond to their demands?

2. How does Billy provide food and water for the wolf on the trip?

3. What happened to the family dog during the murderous attacks?

4. What is the relationship between Billy and Boyd and what mention is made of any other family members at the beginning of the novel?

5. What does Billy do with the dead wolf?

6. What are Mr. Parham's instructions for Billy when he heads out to check the wolf traps?

7. What does Billy find when he returns home?

8. Under what circumstances do the boys encounter the young girl?

9. What has made the wolf leave her home in Mexico to roam in the United States?

10. Why does Billy set a wolf trap in the vaqueros' smoldering campfire?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE CROSSING is written in the Western genre. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

McCarthy is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, then briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Mr. Sanders. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by creating Sanders' character in the novel?

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