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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. What is Rayber's reaction when he realizes Bishop is dead?

2. How does Francis know that he has been sexually assaulted?

3. How old was George Rayber when Mason kidnapped him?

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

5. What type of bushes completely overtook Mason's house and yard?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What event at the science museum jars Rayber into remembering his own religious childhood?

4. Who is Lucette, and what impact does she have on Rayber when the meet?

5. How does Mason's neighbor, Buford Munson, react when he hears that Mason is dead?

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

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

8. How was Mason Tarwater buried?

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

10. How did George Rayber come to live with his uncle, Mason?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout his adult life, Mason Tarwater often tried to communicate with Rayber, whom he considered to be his lost son. One of the methods through which Mason communicated with Rayber was through a journal. Why did Mason start writing in Rayber's journal in the first place? What was Rayber's reaction to the journal when it was unearthed? Finally, explain what you think the meaning of the message, "The prophet I will raise up out of this boy will burn your eyes clean," which Mason wrote to Rayber about Francis. Did the old man's promise ever come true? Does Tarwater ever open Rayber's eyes? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Enoch Emory is generally considered to be one of the most pathetic and sympathetic characters in all of modern literature. First, describe Enoch Emory's character. What motivated him in life? What did he have to show for all the effort he put into his work? Then, describe what Emory's greatest desire in life was. How did this desire lead to Emory stealing the gorilla suit at the end of the story? In the end, do you think Emory was happy with the way his life ended? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In the story "The Lame Shall Enter First," Rufus Johnson is a child with a rough upbringing. First, describe Rufus' childhood and the effect these circumstances had on his personality. Then, describe the way Rufus survives in his day-to-day life. What "sins" does he commit on a regular basis? Finally, explain Rufus' moral justification for the sins he commits. What statement about religion and religious text do you think Flannery O'Connor is making through Rufus' character and interpretation of the Bible? Be sure to include examples from the text that you think help strengthen your arguments.

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