1. In a mystery, every sentence offers clues, either about the case or about the characters that are part of the case; what does the reader learn early on about Joe Leaphorn from one sentence?

2. What allusion to the allegory of Cat story is contained in Chapter 13?

3. How does Hillerman use the story of the cat in Chapter 6 for more than one purpose?

4. What in this chapter may foreshadow a future event?

5. What do you think is the main purpose of this short chapter?

6. What seems to be a likely foreshadowing of a coming event?

7. What besides Billy's brain injury could be a reason for his inability to give a date of his Kiva ritual?

8. Why do you think the discussion of Kiva and Native American rites are included in Chapter 8?

9. How is the story about Cat an allegory for what Chee has encountered in his life?

10. What story does Shorty tell that is the motivation for the setting moving to the floor of the Grand Canyon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the Hopi and Navajo cultures. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Who are the Hopi? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Hopi live in today's world?

2. Who are the Navajo? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Navajo live in today's world?

3. How do the Navajo and Hopi cultures inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

4. Compare and contrast the cultures of the Navajo and Hopi.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 10, Sherman and Chandler discuss the details of the assignment from Plymale and decide that at the very least, Billy Tuve will have to be murdered, but it will have to be made to look like an accident because of the Arizona death penalty laws. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What is the death penalty as it exists in the United States? Do all states have the same laws? What are the death penalty laws at the present in Arizona and New Mexico? Is the death penalty administered fairly without regard to race, sex, religion, etc.?

2. Is the death penalty a true deterrent to murder? Why or why not? Is the murder rate per capita lower in the states that have and use the death penalty regularly? Would you be willing to inject, shoot, or electrocute someone yourself if they have received the death penalty?

3. How many people who have been executed under the laws of the death penalty have later been proven to be innocent? Does this change your opinion of the death penalty? What are some alternatives to the death penalty?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 8, Billy Tuve is asked about his Kiva initiation rites, which he describes in the Hopi language to the other Hopi who is there, Cowboy Dashee, though even Cowboy cannot hear the entire story since he is of a different Kiva from Billy. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research some common Native American rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of secret societies which have initiation rites for those who want to be a part of the society? (consider such groups as the Free masons, Eastern Star, etc.). Describe one such group, their purpose, and how one becomes a member. Would you consider joining a secret society? Why?

3. How have secret societies influenced the way of life in the United States? (Consider such groups as the KKK, Black Panthers, the Communist party, etc.)

(see the answer keys)

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