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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Tarwater see at the gas station?

2. What does Rayber think Tarwater is going to do to Bishop as they leave the restaurant?

3. What does Tarwater do with the hand Bishop tried to touch in the hotel lobby?

4. What does the receptionist observe about Rayber?

5. Who says, "It takes all kinds of women"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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.

Essay Topic 2

The characters in "The Violent Bear It Away" were often called different names. Rayber was also "the schoolteacher", and Mason was often called "the old man", for examples. Analyze what the different names imply and which characters used varying names to refer to other characters. Were there power struggles evident, or judgments passed? What is the importance of a name?

Essay Topic 3

Rayber gives Tarwater several items in "The Violent Bear It Away". Tarwater responds indifferently or even angrily to most of the items and he really only uses the corkscrew/bottle opener. Analyze the symbolism of the items and Tarwater's responses to them. Look at how the items are treated and used and what this means to the development of Tarwater, Rayber, and the plot.

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