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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. When Abel was young, Francisco took him across the Arroyo ________ to the edge of the red rock.

3. Ben remembered a girl who used to laugh the way Milly laughed. He met her at a squaw dance at ___________.

4. Who is the old man in the sentence - Abel could not understand the old man's random words.

5. Abel told Ben and Milly a story about a ___________ he had on the reservation and how it used to love the water.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

While the title of this book refers to a specific location, it seems to also refer to other themes which are addressed in the book.

Part 1: How does the idea of 'dawn' relate to the events which take place in this story?

Part 2: How does the idea of 'dawn' relate to Abel's life and experiences in the story?

Part 3: Why do you think M. Scott Momaday chose the title he did?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 343 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample