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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. How old is Billy when he encounters the wolf?

2. Who is Billy Parham?

3. Who do the boys see a little bit later on the same road?

4. Who rides with Billy and Boyd?

5. Billy is confused about whether to kill the wolf or ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What life lesson does Billy learn when he visits the old man to talk about trapping?

2. How does Billy reunite with Boyd and how do they escape?

3. Cite some examples that point out the relationship between Billy and Boyd.

4. What trouble waits for Billy after crossing the river with the wolf who can't swim because of being muzzled?

5. How much of Billy's decision not to return home is a conscious decision?

6. When is the last time that Billy sees his father?

7. What eventually happens to the wolf?

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

9. How does the old Indian foreshadow Billy's life?

10. Where does Billy stop with the wolf on the way to Mexico and what care is provided for them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does McCarthy use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Mr. Parham. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point?

(see the answer keys)

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