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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. In May where does Tayo tell his family he is going to go?

2. Where does Old Grandma sit during the day most of the time?

3. What is unusual about the pine tree where Tayo makes a hole in the fence where his cattle are located?

4. What is the tribe of the woman who is in the truck with Harley and Leroy when they stop and pick up Tayo?

5. What does Tayo's sergeant tell the men to do that Tayo is unable to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tayo remember about Josiah and Night Swan?

2. What happens to Tayo after he attacks Emo?

3. How does Tayo start herding the cattle?

4. What does Tayo find out when he returns to his family?

5. What kind of Indian is Tayo and what are his earliest memories of his mother?

6. Where is Tayo when his friends find him and what does Tayo tell himself about them?

7. What does Tayo do with his memories of Night Swan and Josiah?

8. What does Tayo’s mother do with him when he is four?

9. What does Josiah decide to purchase and who advised him to do it?

10. What does Ku'oosh say to Tayo after Tayo talks to Ku'oosh and what does Ku'oosh leave Tayo? What is Tayo’s response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Ceremony, 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? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two.

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven or action driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character are developed to the same degree? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Ceremony is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Ceremony help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Ceremony? Why or why not. Use examples from Ceremony and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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