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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. According to the novel, how long was Richard Allen Mesinger "supposed" to have lived?

2. In Missouri, one of Richard Allen Mesington's neighbors tells him stories about what historical world event?

3. About when were Harv Kline's two children born?

4. What is Richard Allen Mesinger doing at the moment he is killed?

5. What is Harv Kline's favorite time of year?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Do you think that Harv Kline feels he got a fair exchange with Tim Harrow?

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

4. Describe Richard Allen Mesinger's academic performance.

5. What message does the novel convey?

6. Describe the several career paths that Mesinger contemplates during his early life.

7. Imagine that you came into possession of the "sweet" rifle instead of Tilson. What would you do with the rifle if you did not know its history? What would you do with the rifle if you did know its history?

8. Is the "sweet" rifle a work of art?

9. The novel openly mocks Tim Harrow's personal philosophy that draws from firearms and American history, the United States Constitution, and Christianity. Do you think that these sources of information are suitable for mockery?

10. What does Richard Allen Mesinger think about his neighbor Harv Kline's antique gun?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does the novel spend so much time characterizing Richard Allen Mesinger? After all, his interaction with the rifle lasts less than one second and the narrative makes it clear that Mesinger never even knew he was being killed. Within the narrative, what difference does it make that Mesinger was who he was?

Essay Topic 2

Why does the novel "need" to have the accidental discharge come from an old muzzle-loading, black powder rifle? Wouldn't the novel work just as well with an AK-47 hanging above Kline's mantel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Cornish McManus is described as an excellent gunsmith but an indifferent shot. Discuss how it is possible to be very good at one thing but not very good at something else that is closely associated.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 620 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample