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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. What has happened to a heifer on the ranch?

2. Of what is Granddad suspicious?

3. What if the strain of disease only infects cows?

4. Why is Mr. Burris dismayed?

5. What does Jesse do as the others return to the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the most exciting event of the year for Thalia and how does Lonnie feel about it?

2. For what is Hud late the next morning and what is Granny's response?

3. What is Granddad's response to Newt's suggestion?

4. Describe Lonnie's family members who live at the ranch.

5. What does Newt say about the dead heifer?

6. Who is Jesse and when does he arrive at the ranch?

7. What happens to Lonnie while helping test the cattle and what does he do?

8. How does Lonnie feel about the new technology?

9. Why doesn't Granddad want to drill for oil?

10. What does the State Vet tell Granddad about the cattle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of integrity throughout Horseman, Pass By. Who seems to have integrity? Who does not? Why do you think integrity is important to the characters who value it? Why do you think some characters do not think integrity is important? What are some of the symbols of integrity?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of belonging. What are some of the symbols of belonging? What characters value the feeling of belonging? What are some situations, dialogue and/or scenes that reveal the theme of belonging? How do they reflect this theme?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of anger. What are some of the symbols of anger? Which characters seem to be angry? What are some situation, dialogue and/or scenes that reveal the theme of anger? How do they reflect this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be?

2. The phrase Horseman, Pass By is derived from a poem, "Under Ben Bulben," by William Butler Yeats. Research this reference and discuss the connection it may have to McMurtry's book.

3. If you were the writer of Horseman, Pass By and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Horseman, Pass By, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Do you think it is harder to identify the plot in a fantasy novel than some others? Why or why not?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Horseman, Pass By . They may not contain every element of a major plot. Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,300 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample