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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. Where does Josiah have the cattle unloaded?

2. What is playing on the juke box at the Y bar when Tayo and the others enter the bar?

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

4. Where do Josiah and Tayo fill up their water barrels?

5. What color of sheets are on the bed at Josiah’s mistress’s home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a woman help Tayo find the cattle?

2. What does Betonie do when he takes Tayo up into the foothills? How does Tayo respond?

3. Where are Tayo and Rocky sent, what kind of problem does Tayo have there and what does Rocky do to try and help Tayo?

4. Why does Tayo feel guilty about Josiah?

5. Why do the two ranch hands leave Tayo alone?

6. How does Josiah feel about Tayo and how does Josiah treat Tayo?

7. What happens to the family’s shepherd, Harley, the dog and the sheep?

8. How is Tayo when the war is over?

9. What does Betonie tell Tayo about change and trust?

10. How is Tayo treated as a child by the village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels.

Compare/contrast the characters of Tayo and Auntie. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Josiah and Emo. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

Essay Topic 3

Betonie tells Tayo that saying that the white people are to blame is too simple, but change has occurred and Tayo must learn to adapt to it.

Discuss, in depth, the reasons you think Tayo might blame white people for his problems. Use examples from Ceremony to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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