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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. According to Grandfather, why must a bow never be left standing?

2. How much time has passed since the Yahi have moved to Wowunupo?

3. According to Grandmother, when did she first meet Ishi's mother?

4. Why does Mother allow Tushi to go with Ishi to the beaver den?

5. What is Ishi's job in the spring?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reservations does Grandfather have about moving the tribe to the mountain?

2. Why do Ishi and Tushi plan a Harvest Feast?

3. What makes Ishi's hunting trip with Elder Uncle so memorable?

4. How is the Yahi creation story similar to the Judeo-Christian creation story (the creation story of the white man)?

5. How has the relationship between Ishi and Tushi changed since they first came to Wowunupo?

6. What does Ishi discover when he returns to the village after he moves Mother?

7. Why does Elder Uncle say that they should no longer hunt on the mountain next to the village?

8. Why does Ishi get the privilege of shooting the first deer of the season?

9. What does Tushi's dream seem to foretell, and how does Ishi respond to her dream?

10. Where does Ishi decide to go on his journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel is broken into four sections, each describing a different part of Ishi's life. Analyze each of the titles given to the sections and explain the significance of those titles. Be sure to provide evidence from each section in order to support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Compare Ishi's experiences in the Yahi world to the experiences he has when he returns there later with Majapa and Maliwal. How are the places the same to him, and How are they different? How does he feel about his "home," and why? Provide evidence to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, the importance of passing on knowledge and responsibility to the next generation is an important theme. In fact, Ishi continues this tradition even after he is the last of his people. Analyze the cycle of "passing down" from one generation to the next and how this cycle adapts to fit the changes that Ishi experiences. Be sure to support your ideas with specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

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