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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 does Tarwater do when he and Rayber return home from the church?

2. Why would Mason leave for days at a time into the woods?

3. What catches Tarwater's attention in the store window when he is walking with Rayber?

4. Who does Tarwater hitch a ride into town with?

5. Who says they won't get used to Tarwater?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rayber see himself fleeing with Lucette?

2. Why does Rayber suddenly duck his head and hide when he is watching Lucette?

3. Why does Rayber advise Tarwater to avoid extremes?

4. Why does Rayber bring Tarwater breakfast in bed?

5. At the end of chapter 6, how does Rayber feel about Tarwater?

6. During the fishing trip what does Rayber say he does and does not have the guts for?

7. What two histories does Tarwater say he knows "completely"?

8. What does Tarwater tell the truck driver who asks him why his pants are wet?

9. What does Tarwater do when Bishop sits on the stairs in front of him at the hotel?

10. What becomes apparent to Tarwater after the death of Mason?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Tarwater's life with Mason to his life with Rayber. Consider the values, actions, locations and emotions involved. Also analyze the impact on Tarwater.

Essay Topic 2

Both fire and water purify in "The Violent Bear It Away". Explain how each element represents purity in the novel and which characters seek purity or have it thrust on them.

Essay Topic 3

This novel is set in the American South. Describe the setting, culture, and ways of the American South and how it impacted the novel and characters.

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This section contains 545 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample