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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. Who offers to drive Ray and Norma back to the U.S.?

2. Who lived on the Dupere Livestock farm?

3. After the Buick dies, how do Ray and the boys get to the Dupree farm?

4. Why did the photographers abruptly break ties with Guy?

5. What has happened to Mrs. Symes' since Ray has been gone?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has been Norma's contact with Guy since he dropped her off at the hospital?

2. How does Ray encounter Jack Wilkie once again?

3. What happens on the way to the Dupree farm when Ray plans to make one final attempt to contact Norma?

4. What is Dr. Symes' new plan for the island after he discovers some of his mother's insurance checks?

5. How do Ray and Norma return to the States, and what is the tone of their trip?

6. What had happened to Jack after he and Ray parted company?

7. What dire news does Ray receive when he returns to the Tabernacle in town?

8. What forces Ray and the others to take shelter at the Fort George Hotel?

9. What is the reason that Norma had followed Guy during his travels?

10. What is Ray's style of planning for the future?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Portis' writing style. How is he different from other writers of his time? What are some of his characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of his classic style in "The Dog of the South".

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Norma Midge. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her during his lifetime?

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This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample