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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. Why does Ishi not tell Elder Uncle or Mother about his visits to Black Rock?

2. Why does Mother allow Tushi to go with Ishi to the beaver den?

3. Why does Ishi not like the Green Cave?

4. Who is responsible for moving the village to Wounupo?

5. How does Ishi cleanse himself after visiting the places of burial and danger on his journey?

Short Essay Questions

1. What details about the Harvest Feast suggest that Ishi and his family are the last of their tribe?

2. Why does Ishi get the privilege of shooting the first deer of the season?

3. What makes Ishi's hunting trip with Elder Uncle so memorable?

4. Why does Elder Uncle agree to move into the abandoned bear den in spite of his reservations?

5. How is Ishi's bow important for his development into manhood?

6. Why does Elder Uncle say that they should no longer hunt on the mountain next to the village?

7. How is the Yahi creation story similar to the Judeo-Christian creation story (the creation story of the white man)?

8. According to Elder Uncle, why should the Yahi people not mourn for Timawi?

9. What assurance does Ishi give to Timawi when Timawi observes that Tushi prefers Ishi's company?

10. What does Grandfather say to Elder Uncle in order to reassure him after Timawi and Ishi leave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Yahi world, the spirit world interacts with and influences the world of the living. Explain the ways in which the living are influenced and affected by the spirits. What does this suggest about the Yahi culture? How does this affect the ways in which the Yahi view life? Be sure to include specific examples and evidence to support your explanations.

Essay Topic 2

Life and death (both literal and symbolic) are important themes in the novel. Many times, Ishi could give up and stop running or he could simply choose to wait for death. Instead, he chooses to continue with his life and be productive and social. Analyze the ways in which Ishi deals with loss (death) and the ways in which he chooses life. Include specific examples and quotations for support.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Ishi's old life in the Yahi world and his new life with the saldu. How does he adapt to his new life? How does he merge his old life into his new life? Provide specific examples and quotations to support your observations.

(see the answer keys)

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