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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 "Everything That Rises Must Converge," which of the following is not an action Julian considers to teach his mother a lesson?

2. In the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge," why does the black woman become angry with her son?

3. In the story "The Enduring Chill" who does Asbury say is his god?

4. In the story "Judgment Day," why does Tanner decide to go back down South?

5. In the story "Parker's Back," how does the tree catch on fire?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," how is Rufus' view of the night sky different than Sheppard's?

2. Describe the black woman who sits next to Julian on the bus in the story "Everything That Rises Must Converge."

3. In the story "The Comforts of Home," what does Thomas' mother do to help Star?

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

5. In the story "Revelation," what happens to the teenage girl after she attacks Mrs. Turpin?

6. In the story "Judgment Day," what is Foley's significance in the community?

7. In the story "Parker's Back," how does Parker change as the result of his tattoo of Jesus?

8. In "The Lame Shall Enter First," what does Norton do when looking through the telescope alone at night?

9. In the story "Judgment Day," what does Foley propose Tanner and Coleman do in exchange for room and board? How does Tanner react?

10. In the story "Revelation," what does Mrs. Turpin say is the problem with farming cotton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes in the collection of short stories "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is that of past vs. present. Select three of the stories dealing with this theme and:

1) explain what the story says about the past and the present;

2) demonstrate how the theme is developed in the story.

Then explain what you think Flannery O'Connor's overall commentary on past vs. present is in the novel as a whole.

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

Essay Topic 2

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" is both the title of this collection of short stories and one of the component stories. In your essay:

1) explain what this phrase means as it relates to the novel as a whole;

2) explain how the phrase fits the entire novel;

3) demonstrate how the author develops this idea.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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