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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 does Lisbeth tell Travis about the puppy she gave him?

2. What does Papa tell Travis about what he had to do to Old Yeller?

3. What condition is Travis in when he returns home after shooting Spot?

4. What is the condition of Travis' wound by the time they arrive home?

5. How does Travis hide Old Yeller while he runs home to get help?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe why Mama is afraid of their wild hogs.

2. Describe what Travis sees after he builds a small fire out of bear grass.

3. Summarize the scene when the Spot heifer returns to the cabin.

4. Describe how Travis plans to mark the remainder of his hogs.

5. Explain why Travis and Old Yeller head out to bat cave country.

6. Summarize how Travis and Mama get Old Yeller back to the cabin.

7. Describe the condition of Travis and Old Yeller for the next few weeks.

8. Explain why Travis can't sleep the night Burn Sanderson leaves.

9. Describe Travis' state of mind after he shoots Old Yeller.

10. Describe what Travis and Mama do with the bull.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare and contrast the actions of the puppy at the end of the novel with the actions of Old Yeller in the beginning of the novel.

2) How do the actions of the puppy help Travis out of his depression over Old Yeller's death?

3) What emotions does Travis express when he sees Little Arliss and the puppy in the drinking water?

4) Discuss the conflicting emotions Travis reveals and explain his future plans for the puppy.

Essay Topic 2

Old Yeller is a constant throughout the novel. He is mentioned from the very first chapter to the last chapter.

1) Explain the different images Gipson gives of Old Yeller as the book progresses.

2) What is the significance of Old Yeller's character in each part of the novel?

3) What meaning does Old Yeller have for Little Arliss, Travis, and Mama?

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in the story using examples from the novel.

2) Choose three events from the story which cause Travis life to undergo a change.

3) How does he react to the events and their effects?

4) How does he grow emotionally in his own life and in his attitude toward his family because of these changes?

(see the answer keys)

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