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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose gray coat was Francisco wearing on top of him to prevent him from getting too cold?

2. The ___________ book and ears of colored corn were also placed at Francisco's side.

3. What was the name of the foreman at the plant where Abel worked?

4. Abel also placed Francisco's pouches of pollen and __________, along with the sacred feathers by his side.

5. Francisco had a relationship with a young girl when he was younger, who was the child of a ________.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During retreats, people would give offerings and pray at various holy places.

Part 1: Why do you think people felt the need to give offerings at the holy places?

Part 2: What might have been some of the offerings you would have left at the holy places?

Part 3: How do you think the offerings to the holy places help the offering person feel about themselves or their lives?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of being different from others seems to affect each of the characters in different ways.

Part 1: How might Abel's life have been different had he not been thought of as foreign?

Part 2: Why do you think foreign is considered to be a bad thing in this book and in the lives of the characters?

Part 3: Do you believe that Abel is bad person? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The memories that flood back into Abel's mind give the reader a sense of who he was when he was younger, but also a sense of who is is in the present day.

Part 1: Why do you think Momaday decided to write about Abel through the memories he has?

Part 2: Why are memories a good way to get to know someone?

Part 3: Do you think the story would have been stronger if the life story of Abel had been told in a more conventional way? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 330 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample