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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. Where did Mason leave Rayber when he was a boy, to prove that God would provide for him?

2. Which of the following adjectives does NOT describe Francis' behavior while he is living with Rayber?

3. How does Francis react when Mason brings him new, clean clothes to wear?

4. What does Rayber say to the innkeeper that deeply annoys Francis?

5. Why did Rayber's wife leave him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did George Rayber go deaf?

2. Why does Rayber agree to take Francis in and take care of him?

3. What events lead up to Francis vomiting in a lake?

4. What is Francis' initial reaction when he meets his cousin, Bishop?

5. What conversation does Francis have with Meeks right after Mason dies?

6. What type of interaction does Francis have with the second driver that picks him up from the side of the road?

7. How does Francis rebel against Mason after his death?

8. How did Francis Tarwater come to live with his great-uncle Mason?

9. How does Bishop die?

10. What is Francis' reaction when he figures out that Rayber has followed him to the religious revival?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story "Wise Blood" is often viewed as a comedic Southern Gothic because it portrays the ugliness of the human spirit in a way so manipulated and bizarre that it could be considered funny. First, describe one character that you believe embodies the "Southern Gothic" style. What makes this character too over-the-top to be believed? What makes this character "grotesque"? Then, explain whether or not you believe this story should be considered a comedy. What, if anything, makes it funny? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in the story "Wise Blood" have a near obsession with money and materialism. First, describe the way that Motes views materialism in relationship to living a good life. How does Motes feel about himself when people notice his material wealth? How does he feel about himself when people notice his spirituality? For Motes, how are materialism and religion inextricably intertwined? Which, in Motes' perspective, leads to a better life, having money, or having a clean soul? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Redemption is something that is extremely important to Motes throughout the entirety of the story "Wise Blood." First, explain what it meant to Motes to be "redeemed" when he was growing up. Then, compare / contrast the redemption Motes knew as a child to the redemption he knew as an adult. How did the idea of redemption fuel Motes' attitude toward religion in his adult life? How did Motes feel about redemption in the moments before he himself died? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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