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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the other word for the bad cop, as Ben recalls in his memory of a bad police experience?

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

4. Ben made up a story about a beautiful ketoh in order to get Frazer to let him use the black __________.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The scene in which Abel kills the albino seems to be a striking and yet understandable scene.

Part 1: Why do you think Abel decided to kill the albino?

Part 2: How do you think Abel felt about killing the albino?

Part 3: What is the potential symbolism of this scene? What might it represent in terms of race relations, for example?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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