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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. Who says, "When the dung beetle moves, know that something has moved it"?

2. What is Naranjo's hat made of?

3. Who owns the land where the commune sheep graze?

4. Where is Leaphorn at 7:22 a.m. on December 2?

5. In Chapter 9, what is the fetish that Leaphorn finds?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, why does Leaphorn decide to return to Shorty Bowlegs' hogan?

2. What does "kachina" mean in Chapter 3?

3. Describe Ted Isaacs' appearance.

4. Describe the vehicle that Leaphorn travels in.

5. In Chapter 1, why are there some things that the Little Fire God's friend, George Bowlegs, can't know?

6. Why does Frank Bob Madman abandon his hogan?

7. Susanne is taking care of Otis, who she explains is sick. What is wrong with Otis in Leaphorn's opinion?

8. What does Leaphorn see standing in the arbor of the commune in Chapter 5?

9. In Chapter 6, what does Leaphorn learn when he checks in with the Ramah chapter house?

10. What is the job given to Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn in Chapter 2 and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Leaphorn tries to get Ted Isaacs to assume care of Suzanne, since both he and she profess to care for each other. Yet Isaacs doesn't want to jeopardize his chance at prestige and a good job. Isaacs rejects Susanne's safety for his own security. Does this make Ted Isaacs a bad man? Why do you think he makes this decision?

Essay Topic 2

Author Hillerman makes several references to the Navajo way of life being a lonely life. Leaphorn seems comfortable in his aloneness, while the loneliness leaves George Bowlegs searching for answers. In comparison, the non-Navajo Susanne is also alone, but this has been forced on her by the abuse against her. Discuss these three characters and how they cope with being alone. Does being alone the same as loneliness? For everyone or just some?

Essay Topic 3

After the death of Shorty Bowlegs, Leaphorn assumes responsibility for Cecil Bowlegs. Discuss the Navajo concept of family and children.

(see the answer keys)

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