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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. Dr. Symes thinks that all his troubles are rooted in his ___________________.

2. In what Texas town does Ray encounter Jack Wilkie?

3. What does Ray have to baby along the trip?

4. Who is Ray's wife's first husband?

5. Who is the Negro boy who works at the hotel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Ray not see the signs that Norma was unhappy in her life?

2. Who is Dr. Reo Symes and why does Ray take him with him on the trip?

3. How does Ray get Dr. Symes into Belize when Dr. Symes is very ill?

4. Who is Webster Spooner and how does Ray meet him?

5. Describe Ray's second attempt to talk to Norma at the Dupree farm.

6. Who does Ray encounter early in his trip to find Norma and Guy?

7. How does Ray go about finding the location of Guy's family's farm?

8. What does Dr. Symes blame his failures on and what advice does he give to Ray?

9. How are Dr. Symes and his mother so different?

10. What prompted Norma's running away with Guy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Portis is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the ongoing conflict between Ray and Norma. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? What does Norma learn about the reality of her life with Ray as opposed to the perceptions she has held for so long?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Ray Midge. 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 during his lifetime?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 963 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample