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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. How is Phil’s favorite shack and swimming hole camouflaged?

2. How far away are Edward and his son from the reservation?

3. Rose realizes she is returning to old memories for what reason?

4. Why does elder Mrs. Burbank stop giving handouts to the Indians?

5. What has happened to the other bookcase in Phil’s room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rose do to feel a bit more like herself in Chapter VII?

2. Why does Jennie, Edward’s wife, not think it wise to tell their son about the past?

3. What does Jennie pack for Edward and their son for their journey?

4. What does Phil's bathing spot mean to him?

5. How does Rose's piano playing go at the Governor's dinner? Why?

6. What happens to disturb Phil's peace at his secret swimming hole?

7. How does Rose feel about Phil's disappearance during the Governor's dinner?

8. Why is the Governor's wife jealous of Rose?

9. For what is Rose recognized in high school?

10. Why does Phil think that George is no smarter than the young cowhands?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although George is not considered a smart man, what abilities of his seem to shine throughout this story, beginning with early descriptions of him as well as his relationship with Rose beginning in Chapter V? What does this say about intelligence? What does the reader learn about various types of intelligence throughout this story? In what ways is intelligence important and in what ways can in be a hinderance?

Essay Topic 2

Rose begins to self-medicate with whiskey. How does this reflect her husband's behavior? What can be learned about Johnny through Rose's drinking? What, in general, is the attitude regarding alcohol in The Power of the Dog? What details in the story support this?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter IV, the narrator describes the keen eyes of Phil. How does the narrator describe Phil's eyes? What can be learned about Phil from this? Do humans seems to fall into the same animal category, based on what is said by the narrator? Why or why not? What might this say about Phil's ability to understand people?

(see the answer keys)

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