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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. In the story "The Comforts of Home," why does Thomas put the gun in Star's purse?

2. In the story "Parker's Back," what does Parker say is different about the experience of having his back tattooed?

3. In the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge," what impresses Julian's mother about the neighborhood she lives in?

4. In the story "Parker's Back," what is Sarah Ruth constantly trying to do?

5. In the story "Parker's Back," what must Parker say to get Sarah Ruth to let him back in the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," why is Sheppard bothered by his son eating cake for breakfast?

2. In the story "A View of the Woods," how does Mary Fortune react when her father beats her?

3. In the story "The Comforts of Home," why is Thomas mournful that his father has died but "had not been able to endure him in life"?

4. Describe the "communion" that Asbury, Randall and Morgan take in the story "The Enduring Chill."

5. In the story "The Enduring Chill," who does Asbury believe is responsible for his failure as an artist? Why?

6. In the story "A View of the Woods," why does Mary Fortune attack her grandfather for beating her but not her father?

7. Why is Julian left feeling "guilt and sorrow" at the end of the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge"?

8. In the story "Judgment Day," how do Tanner's and his daughter's views on burial differ?

9. Describe the character of Pitts in the story "A View of the Woods."

10. In the story "The Comforts of Home," what bothers Thomas about Star?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

For each story in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" there is a "partner" story in the collection. Select two stories that you believe "fit" together and write an essay:

1) describing each story;

2) demonstrating how the two "fit" together;

3) explain what commentary the author is trying to make through these companion stories.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Several of the stories in this collection feature mothers and sons. Select two of the stories with mother and son characters and:

1) describe the relationship between the mother and son;

2) explain how the two affect each other;

3) explain what you think the author is trying to say about mother-son relationships through these two stories.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" offers a commentary on aging. Select two of the stories dealing with aging characters and write an essay:

1) describing the aging characters;

2) explaining the significance of their age on the story's plot;

3) explaining what commentary you think the author is making on aging.

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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