True Grit Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How do dialect and diction contribute to character development?
• Why did Mattie think it was all right for her to go after Chaney instead of attending her father's funeral?
• Where was Yarnell Poindexter born?
• Which of the following individuals is not mentioned in connection with the snake foreshadowing or hanging events?
• What was Mattie's business?
• Who threatened to throw Mattie into a pit of rattlesnakes?
• How does Mattie's age influence the reader's perception of justice?
• What is the central conflict driving the narrative?
• Which term best captures the central symbol of perseverance in the narrative?
• What did Mattie mean when she said to LaBoeuf, 'You are powerful free for a stranger?'
• While Mattie was trapped in the pit, what things frightened her?
• What happened to the express clerk during the Katy robbery?
• How is the tension between vengeance and justice resolved?
• Why did Mattie think the Bible verse was appropriate for the occasion?
• Fort Smith was described as which of the following?
• Mattie's occupation in the narrative is primarily in which field?
• Which of the following best describes frontier justice as depicted in the material?
• What role does memory play in the storytelling?
• Which narrative technique shapes perceived truth?
• Which theme best captures the central tension in True Grit?
• Who initiates the pursuit of Chaney?
• How would you describe the dynamic among Cogburn, LaBoeuf, and Mattie?
• Which objects made Mattie think they were getting closer to Chaney?
• Which person saved Rooster's life during the war, making Mattie kinder toward him?
• What occupation did Yarnell Poindexter take up in Memphis?
• Approximately how old was LaBoeuf?
• What evidence linking the Pepper gang to the crime was found in the stock cave?
• What best summarizes the outcome of Chaney's pursuit?
• What is a notable difference in portrayal of a major character between book and film?
• How did Tom Chaney kill Frank Ross and what else did he do afterward?
• In his conversation with Captain Finch, which points did Rooster discuss and request?
• Which statement best describes Eastern Oklahoma?
• Which character's actions illustrate moral complexity rather than pure vengeance?
• Why did Mattie feel kinder toward Cole Younger?
• How did Yarnell feel about Mattie's decision to stay in Fort Smith?
• Who was hit in the head and fell into the pit near Mattie?
• How did Mattie get Cogburn's attention?
• Who is the target of their hunt?
• Which feature best captures the plausibility of the frontier setting's language?
• Which gang leader is encountered by the protagonists?
• In which county is Mattie's family plot located?
• Describe what Mattie saw inside the pit.
• Describe Frank Ross.
• Which of the following describes La Boeuf's weapons?
• Describe LaBoeuf
• What did LaBoeuf tell about his Civil War experience?
• What did Rooster learn from Mr. Bagby?
• How is Rooster Cogburn physically described?
• Which description best matches Rooster's clothing during that scene?
• Which phrase best captures the portrayal of law enforcement on the frontier?
• What crime did Rooster admit committing with Columbus Potter?
• Describe the Katy robbery.
• Which statement about dialect usage is accurate for conveying the setting?
• How does the tone of the 2010 film adaptation compare to the novel's tone?
• Who operated the ferry crossing?
• In which epidemic did Yarnell Poindexter die?
• What is the tone of Mattie's narration most often?
• Which two pursuers form an early alliance with Mattie?
• How did Cogburn's appearance relate to his age?
• What was Mattie's view of Federal people?
• Which of the following foodstuffs did Rooster carry?
• Which statement best describes the dynamic between Cogburn and LaBoeuf?
• What effect do the journey's hardships have on the characters?
• Who is the narrator and protagonist of the True Grit novel?
• Which statement best describes how memory frames the moral interpretation in the story?
• What two words did Mattie use to describe the blazing fire and showers of sparks?
• Which character is described as a Texas Ranger?
• What business did Mattie take care of at the undertaker's?
• What did Stonehill tell Mattie about Rooster?
• In what general region does the pursuit take place?
• How did Mattie solve the problem of Grandma Turner stealing the covers?
• Which statement best captures the central moral tension of the pursuit?
• Why did Mattie say, "Keep your seat, trash," to Frank James?
• How did Mattie describe the defining characteristic of Cumberland Presbyterians?
• Which literary device dominates the dialogue and setting?
• Where were Rooster and Mattie when he began to work on getting the poison out of her arm?
• Who narrates the story in True Grit?
• Which of the following best describes Rooster’s and La Boeuf’s weapons?
• What happened to Rooster's horse during the meadow fight?
• How does the frontier setting influence the pace and danger of events?
• What color were Judge Parker's eyes?
• What was LaBoeuf's account of the Pepper gang attack?
• Which element consistently signals a theme of perseverance in frontier narratives?
• Who broke out of the jail in Fort Smith?
• Which character provides the moral counterpoint to vengeance?
• What action did the robbers take to access the express car during the Katy robbery?
• How did Rooster and LaBoeuf trick Ned Pepper?
• Describe Judge Parker's beard.
• Which occupation did Rooster mention in his past?
• What motivates Mattie to press the pursuit despite danger?
• What topics did Rooster and Mattie discuss while they were waiting for the Pepper gang?
• In what ways did LaBoeuf and Mattie disagree?
• What was inside the blue shirt?
• Which statement correctly describes how the ferry moved across the river?
• How did Mattie feel when she received the $325?
• What did LaBoeuf and Mattie see in the meadow below?
• Which member of the trio is a U.S. Marshal?
• What did Mattie think of Rooster's job loading her gun?
• How is the frontier legal system described?
• What was the bad result of the Captain's visit?
• Which aspect of the language helps convey period authenticity?
• What advice did Mattie give Rooster at the railroad agent's office?
• Where did Mattie want Chaney to be hanged?
• Who is the principal antagonist pursued by the trio?
• Why wouldn't Mattie eat a corn dodger?
• What virtue is highlighted by the phrase 'true grit'?
• How do Mattie and Cogburn differ in their approach to justice?
• What weapon did Chaney use against LaBoeuf?
• Why was traveling difficult in the snow?
• The setting places the story in which era and region?
• What does this show about Rooster?
• Why did Mattie have trouble using her arms?
• Which statement best describes frontier law enforcement?
• In which historical setting does True Grit take place?
• Describe Mattie's position in the pit.
• Why did Frank Ross go to Fort Smith?
• How is Rooster Cogburn depicted differently in the film versus the novel?
• What notable difference exists between the book's ending and the film's ending?
• What was Rooster's opinion about a man working for a woman?
• Describe Tom Chaney.
• Who said 'Watch your step there' to LaBoeuf?
• What function does deception serve in the pursuit?
• Why was LaBoeuf in favor of Mattie going with them when Rooster wanted her to stay at McAlester's?
• Describe the dugout.
• How did Mattie describe the ferry crossing?
• What does Mattie's persistence reveal about her character?
• What is the name of Rooster's son?
• By what name did LaBoeuf know Tom Chaney?
• How did Mattie know that she and LaBoeuf were searching for the same man?
• Which character is explicitly named as the person Mattie was trying to persuade to attend the hanging?
• Who remarked that all the snakes are asleep this time of year?
• Who used the Sharps rifle to shoot Pepper?
• Which motif is closely associated with resilience in the story?
• Where did Mattie bury Rooster?
• Which historical context informs the setting and events?
• How does Mattie's narration influence the reader's memory of events?
• Which statement foreshadowed the rattlesnake bite most clearly?
• Which element most clearly signals resilience in the protagonist?
• How does the frontier setting influence danger and moral ambiguity?
• Why did Rooster put Mattie's cup in the floor?
• Which event motivates Mattie Ross to seek revenge?
• Why did Rooster go to the abandoned dugout?
• Who did LaBoeuf attempt to rescue during the events described?
• Was Rooster right to tell the boys to lie to Mr. Simmons?
• Why did Mattie try to get the shirt?
• What did Mattie use to keep herself from sliding through the hole in the floor?
• How is frontier law depicted?
• What caused Mattie to fall into the pit?
• Which genres best describe True Grit?
• Which statement best describes how the film's pacing and humor compare to the novel's?
• Which three men were involved in the corn dodgers incident?
• What color and material was the blue shirt found in the pit?
• Captain Boots Finch's unit was which of the following?
• Why did Mattie feel that Mrs. Floyd was taking advantage of her?
• Which statement best describes Mattie's role in the events?
• Which symbol is most closely tied to resilience?
• For each of the characters, Mattie, Rooster, and LaBoeuf, what was the purpose of their trip in the Indian Territory?
• What did the sheriff share about the marshals working for Judge Parker's court?
• During the meadow encounter, which statement is true?
• The narrative endorses revenge as an unproblematic solution.
• Why did Mattie blame Rooster for her unfortunate situation?
• How does the harsh frontier setting affect the characters' actions?
• What additional weapons did they have?
• What role does memory play in shaping readers' interpretation of events?
• How does the story address the tension between memory and truth?
• Who saved Rooster after he lost his eye?
• From the sheriff, what did Mattie learn about the man who murdered her father?
• Which statement best describes LaBoeuf's attire?
• Why were Moon and Quincy living in the dugout?
• Which character is most closely associated with the snake threat scene?
• Why was Mattie unable to find the sheriff or the undertaker?
• Which statement about Rooster Cogburn is accurate?
• Which line is a direct quote referencing snakes being asleep?
• What enduring ethical question does the pursuit raise?
• Which character did Mattie try to persuade to attend the hanging?
• Which statement best contrasts Mattie's and Cogburn's approaches to justice?
• How does the frontier landscape influence the mood of the narrative?
• How does Chaney's fate conclude in the pursuit?
• What did Rooster accuse LaBoeuf of during Pepper's shot?
• Describe Yarnell Poindexter.
• What did the sheriff do for Mattie that related to her weapon?
• Which horse was used to pull Mattie and Rooster from the pit?
• What food did Mattie eat for the first time at the hanging?
• How was LaBoeuf injured during the Pepper gang encounter?
• Which statement best describes Judge Parker?
• To whom did Rooster refer when he said, 'Mr. James, the Missouri bank examiner'?
• Whom does Mattie hire to help her hunt Chaney?
• Whom did Rooster seek out in McAlester?
• Where did the Pepper gang force the train to the cattle siding?
• Which companion joins the pursuit alongside Cogburn and Mattie?
• What event marks a turning point in the pursuit's momentum?
• Where did Tom Chaney murder Mattie's father?
• How many main pursuers form the trio?
• Which firearm did Tom Chaney carry?
• Which central conflict is described by the phrase 'tension between vengeance and justice'?
• What did Mattie say to Yarnell to persuade him to go to the hanging?
• Which individuals were seen at McAlester after the train robbery?
• Approximately how old was Tom Chaney?
• What feature did LaBoeuf have on the crown of his hair?
• Which character was described as stuck-up and having a smug grin?
• What news did Captain Finch bring?
• Which items did Mattie observe in the pit besides the blue shirt?
• What remark did Rooster make to insult LaBoeuf's horse?
• In which city did Rooster and his wife own a restaurant?
• What had Mattie figured out that LaBoeuf didn't know?
• Which line expresses relief that there were no snakes around?
• What symbol linked to perseverance?
• Who was Columbus Potter?
• What were Mattie's opinions of Al Smith and Woodrow Wilson?