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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 does Rose feel about Phil being nowhere to be found?

2. What is one way that Rose and Peter do NOT defy house protocol at dinner time?

3. What does the doctor think will help Rose's migraines?

4. What does Rose say the theologians say about those who have been married more than once?

5. What has destroyed Edward and Jennie's eyesight?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do George's and Rose's opinions on inviting other guests to the Governor's dinner differ and why?

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

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

4. Why does the government at this time accept no treaties from the Indians?

5. How does Peter defy dinner table protocol?

6. Why does Rose help the Indians?

7. As the Governor and wife return home from the dinner with George and Rose, what do they both think about the dinner and Rose, in particular?

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

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

10. How does Phil react to Peter's arrival at the ranch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The haves versus the have-nots is an important idea in The Power of the Dog. How does this disparity in assets affect the relationships between the characters? How are they all - the wealthy, the middle class, and the poor - never truly happy? Why? What is missing from all of their lives?

Essay Topic 2

When Phil sees Rose's unusual floral arrangement, he realizes that she may be more dangerous than he once thought. What does he mean by this? How might she be dangerous or threatening to Phil? How does Phil fear her? How does this show in his behavior towards her?

Essay Topic 3

Phil's death is sudden, but the question is, is it surprising? Had you predicted Phil's death at the hands of Peter? Why or why not? Are there certain aspects of his death that are shocking or surprising? Why or why not? Why might the author have chosen to remove Phil from the picture by having him murdered rather than in another way? How does this choice to murder him affect the story as a whole?

(see the answer keys)

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