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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 Francis react when he finds Mason's still on the farm?

2. Who does Francis think is speaking to him when he hears the voice of his "friend" in his ear?

3. What food item does the first truck driver give to Francis before dropping him off at the side of the road?

4. Why did Rayber's wife leave him?

5. Where did Mason Tarwater die?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How did George Rayber go deaf?

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

6. How does Bishop die?

7. What type of interaction does Francis have with the first truck driver that picks him up from the side of the road?

8. Why was Mason Tarwater admitted into a mental institution, and how did he get out?

9. Who is Francis' "stranger" who is later referred to as his "friend"?

10. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Mason and Francis Tarwater have an extreme obsession with the Roman Catholic tradition of baptism. Why was this ceremony so important to Mason? What message did he pass on to Francis about the importance of baptism? Then, describe Francis' personal mission to get his cousin, Bishop, baptized. Why did Francis think this particular baptism was so important? What methods did Francis attempt to get Bishop properly baptized? Finally, describe the events the lead up to Bishop's inadvertent baptism in the fishing lake. How did the baptism lead to death? What symbolism can be found in the parallelism of baptism and crucifixion in Bishop's case? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

When she is getting read to disembark the bus in the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge," Julian's mother attempts to give young Carver a penny, much to the rage of his mother. First, explain why Julian's mother hoped to give young Carver a penny. Then, describe Carver's mother's reaction to the gift. Why did she react so violently? Do you think Carver's mother overreacted to the gift? Why or why not? Finally, explain how Carver's mother's reaction echoes the anger and promises of the growing civil rights movement from the time. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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