Quiz Guide: Stories by Ron Rash
"The Woman who loved Jaguars"
- To what does Ruth compare here memory of the Jaguar?
- Why do you think Ruth travels in silence? Where is she going and where do you think she is coming from? How do you know?
- How would you describe Ruth's relationships with her co-workers?
- Why do you think Ruth remembers her mother when she looks at the encyclopedias in the living room?
- From Rash's description, what do you know about Ruth's husband Richard?
- What metaphor is used to describe solitude for Ruth?
- When Timroad says she is persistent, Ruth says, "Not usually." Why today?
- Why do you think Ruth has the dream she has that night? Explain.
- Why do you think Rash adds the detail about the sign on the Condor's cage?
- What do the Andean Condor and the Black Rhino have in common (you may have to google it)?
- Why do you think the security guard won't meet Ruth's eyes?
- Why do you think ruth wonders "if there is anything inside her mind she can believe"?
- Why was it so easy to kill the Carolina parakeets?
- Describe a detail you like from the last paragraph.
"Their Ancient, Glittering Eyes"
- What metaphor is used to descrdibe the old men at the Riverside Gas and Grocery?
- On what do Creech, Rudisell, and Campbell blame the "devolution" of the world?
- How does Harley describe the creature that wrecked his Zebco 202?
- What kinds of things does Rudisell see in his spyglass?
- Describe an interesting detail about Meekins.
- Why doesn't Meekins believe the old men?
- Describe some details of the rubber worms used by visiting fishermen.
- Why do the men catch only one water snake?
- How does Rash describe the way Campbell casts the line?
- How does Rash create suspense during the fishing expedition?
- How does Rash describe the sturgeon's mouth?
- What does Rash describe happening while the men are reflecting?
- What object does Rudisell describe as "better than gold"? Why?
- What do you make of the ending of the fish story?
Essay: Choose one (support with details)
A. What role do forgetting and remembering have in "The Woman Who Believed in Jaguars"?
B. What details about the speech and setting of "Their Ancient, Glittering Eyes" does Rash use to make the story feel real?
C. The large fish is frequently compared to the three old men at the gas and grocery. What do they have in common?