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

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose presence does Tarwater feel at the park when Bishop jumps in the fountain?

2. What does Rayber hear when he turns on his hearing aid the night Tarwater takes Bishop on the boat?

3. What does Tarwater do at the end of the trip out into the lake?

4. What does Tarwater feel when he looks at the man in the car who picked him up?

5. What does Tarwater say is "better than the Bread of Life"?

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

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 3

Tarwater's internal conflict is centered on baptizing/not baptizing Bishop. Follow this conflict from the beginning of the novel to the end. How do other people affect Tarwater's conflict? How does Tarwater argue for and against baptizing Bishop? Discuss and analyze the resolution.

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This section contains 273 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample