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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. After four days with Tarwater, how does the schoolteacher feel?

2. What small town does this story begin in?

3. What does Mason tell Tarwater about his place?

4. What does Tarwater compare Bishop to when they go to the Italian restaurant?

5. Why does Tarwater say he went to the church?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Tarwater balk at Mason's directions for burying him?

2. Why does Rayber follow Tarwater quietly when he leaves the house?

3. How does Tarwater walk as he walks to the museum with Rayber and Bishop?

4. How does Mason feel Rayber insulted him?

5. When Meeks asks what line of work Tarwater will get into, what does he say?

6. What is the sign of returning health that Rayber wants to see in Tarwater?

7. Why does Tarwater start walking toward Powderhead?

8. What things does Mason teach Tarwater?

9. At the end of the novel, what does Tarwater discover about Mason's body?

10. Why does Tarwater eat so much at lunch before fishing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tarwater receives rides from three strangers in this novel: Meeks, the truck driver, and the man in the lavender car. Describe each trip in terms of influence on Tarwater, symbolism, reflection of religion, and impact on the rest of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

"The Violent Bear It Away" is considered to be written in the Southern Gothic tradition which includes a setting in the south and the supernatural, among other elements. Find a definition of Southern Gothic tradition and reflect on how this novel fits or does not fit the definition.

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