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

2. How does Elder Uncle respond to the news that Tushi and Ishi bring to him from the outside world?

3. Where does Tushi say she will keep the sweetgrass bracelet that Timawi made for her?

4. What returns to Ishi after he discovers Lookout Point?

5. Why do Ishi and Timawi choose not to chop the branch off the tree?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ishi go the Black Rock?

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

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

4. How is Ishi's relationship with Timawi similar to his relationship with Tushi?

5. Why does Ishi choose not to kill the snow rabbit?

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

7. How do the stories that the Yahi tell about Timawi evolve following his death?

8. How does Tushi's contribution to the move conflict with the traditional expectations that the Yahi have for women?

9. How do Ishi and Tushi ensure that their presence remains hidden from the saldu?

10. What comment does Grandfather make regarding Ishi's eating after he returns from his journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an October 23, 2009 New York Times article, anthropologist Orin Starn stated, "I think Ishi is important as a symbol, a reminder of what happened to indigenous people during the white takeover and conquest...He really was a victim of a holocaust." Agree or disagree with this statement. Be sure to include specific examples and quotations to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explain the importance of family to the characters in the novel. Why is the family important? What sacrifices do characters make for their families, and why? What benefits does the family provide to the individual members? How does the definition of family change throughout the novel? Be sure to include specific examples and quotations to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,102 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample