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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. When Gus awakes in "the River Writes" what does he see in nature?

2. What method of fishing does Gus teach the old man in the chapter "Dutch"?

3. What stuffed animal does Rama have with him in "Jesus Keeps Fishing"?

4. What does Descartes compare eating cat dung to for humans?

5. Why does Gus catch the trout in the chapter "Closing the Door"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What neighbors does Gus meet; who are they; what do they do; what do they offer Gus?

2. Why can't Gus communicate with Eddy when he meets her?

3. What is the purpose of the trek that Gus takes after Nick leaves?

4. What do Henning and his colleagues do metaphysically that Gus does not understand?

5. How does Eddy lead Gus to God?

6. How do Ma's views of dams differ from Thomas Bigeater's views?

7. What happens to Gus when he meets the most beautiful girl that he could imagine?

8. How is Gus both full and empty emotionally at the end the chapter "Philosophizing"?

9. What is the significance of the chapter title "Closing the Door"?

10. On Gus's trek back home from the source of the Tamanawis, what does he discover about the spiritual source?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Gus become so depressed after moving to the cabin? How does the depression affect him and how does he decide to pull himself out of the depression?

Essay Topic 2

What does Nick teach Gus about God and how does Nick's story affect Gus?

Essay Topic 3

How are Titus and Descartes comic relief? Why is comic relief a welcome visitor in the story?

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