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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. At what hospital is Agnes Tsosie?

2. Who does Leaphorn phone?

3. Who is Eldon Tamana?

4. For how long has Leaphorn's wife been dead?

5. What does the doctor think Agnes Tsosie is going to need?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Leroy Fleck's most pressing personal problem?

2. What makes Leaphorn decide to travel to Washington, D. C. for his vacation?

3. What does Catherine Perry find on her desk and who does she blame?

4. What is a possible break Leaphorn makes in the case as he revisits the scene at dusk?

5. Describe Agnes Tsosie's visit to the doctor.

6. What does Janet Pete tell Jim Chee when she calls him at his office?

7. What is one source of cash for Fleck to help his mother and who does he contact about it?

8. Who has called Catherine Perry and what does she think he wants?

9. Who does Leaphorn wish he could talk over the case with and why can't he?

10. Who picks up Chee at the airport and what does he observe about the men?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Talking God, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Talking God based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Talking God is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that Talking God is primarily for entertainment changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 4, Officer Chee is watching dancers prepare for the Yeibichai or Night Chant ceremony. Discuss the following

1. Research some Navajo rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of ceremonies for the common events in human life (such as birth, death, marriage, etc.)?

3. Has Native American culture influenced some aspect of the predominant culture of the United States? How? Give examples and discuss fully.

(see the answer keys)

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