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

Short Answer Questions

1. The answer to #149 would teach the boys when to plant __________.

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

3. Abel was going home to the ______________ for a year or two, according to the plan he had.

4. ____________ at the Wide Ruins trading post had told Ben about the squaw dance, so Ben tried to figure out how to go.

5. Martinez had Abel hold his _________ out so that he could strike them with his stick.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The family connections in this story are compelling, though they might not always be positive.

Part 1: How does family play a role in Abel's life?

Part 2: Does the author seem to believe family is important? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think Abel's father was not a part of his life?

Essay Topic 3

The initial opening with the trap that did not catch what it was intended to catch seems to be symbolic for the rest of the manuscript.

Part 1: In what way is Abel trapped in this story? Could he have avoided his trap?

Part 2: What other characters might be seen as trapped? Why?

Part 3: What might the symbolic dead body floating down the stream refer to in the story? Who also has been let go? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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