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

2. Why does Auntie always watch Tayo more closely than Rocky when they were growing up?

3. With what were the walls of the Ts’eh’s cabin plastered?

4. What fear does Tayo hear in Auntie’s voice when Tayo is a boy?

5. Why does Josiah not brand the cows when he first gets them?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ku'oosh talk to Tayo about?

2. Who are the family members who are kind to Tayo?

3. What happens to Tayo after he attacks Emo?

4. What does Tayo first do when he leaves Betonie?

5. What happens when Tayo is knocked unconscious and then wakes?

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

7. How does Tayo free the cattle and what kind of animal does he see when he is freeing the cattle?

8. How is Rocky different from Tayo and what does Rocky want to do when he is an adult?

9. How does Rocky end up dead?

10. Who is hired as a shepherd after Harley and how does that go?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

There are many elements of effective psychotherapy in the counseling that Tayo receives from both Ku'oosh and Betonie. They guide him gently through a recounting, re-examination and recasting of all the demons that possess him.

Discuss reasons Tayo talking about his experiences might help him come to terms with what he has been through. Include a discussion of what the above statement might mean by “Tayo’s demons.” Use examples from Ceremony to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

One medicine man also talks about the fragility of the world, something that Tayo understands intimately. He knows all too well how difficult it is to maintain balance in a hostile, chaotic world.

Why do you think Tayo sees the world as hostile and chaotic and what do you think Tayo means by balance? Use examples from Ceremony to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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