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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long does Richard Allen Mesington own the "sweet" rifle?
(a) For several years
(b) Only a few days
(c) Only a few months
(d) He never owns it

2. What was Richard Allen Mesington's first pet dog named?
(a) Sarah
(b) Sissy
(c) Peggy
(d) Bughoe

3. How long does Sissy live?
(a) She's killed by a car when she's just a puppy
(b) At least fifteen years
(c) About six years after Richard Allen Mesington is born
(d) Four years

4. According to the novel, what was the leading cause of death to voyagers along the Oregon Trail?
(a) Dysentery
(b) Indian attack
(c) Starvation and exposure
(d) Firearms accidents

5. For what did sailing ships in the Revolutionary War use black power?
(a) They didn't use blackpowder onboard sailing ships
(b) To cook meals
(c) To charge their cannon
(d) As a fuel in the engine

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the novel, what is the muzzle velocity of a black powder rifle's projectile?

2. According to the novel, how many movies did Richard Allen Mesinger watch in an average year?

3. Richard Allen Mesington dreams of learning how to throw what kind of a baseball pitch?

4. From age seven to nine years old, Richard Allen Mesington believes he will pursue which profession?

5. How quickly does Richard Allen Mesinger die after being shot?

Short Essay Questions

1. The Mesinger family moves several times during the novel; what impact does this have on Richard Allen Mesinger?

2. Describe Richard Allen Mesinger's academic performance.

3. How is Harv Kline characterized in the novel?

4. Describe the chain of events that leads to the rifle being above Harv Kline's fireplace.

5. How many people own the "sweet" rifle?

6. Why does the novel spend so much time characterizing Richard Allen Mesinger?

7. Throughout the 217 year history of the "sweet" rifle, what is it functionally used for?

8. The novel summarizes the life that Richard Allen Mesinger "would" have had if he had not been killed. Is this a valid narrative technique?

9. Describe the chain of events that leads to the rifle being accidentally discharged.

10. Why don't the Mesinger and the Kline children play together?

(see the answer keys)

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