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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. How do Ishi and Timawi know that they are near a herd of deer?

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

3. Why do Ishi and Timawi have little fear of the saldu during the cold winter?

4. How many days pass between the time that Ishi and Timawi leave and Ishi's return to Tuliyani?

5. According to their plan, where will Tushi and Elder Uncle go to hide if they need to leave the cave village?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Elder Uncle agree to move into the abandoned bear den in spite of his reservations?

4. What details about the Harvest Feast suggest that Ishi and his family are the last of their tribe?

5. What assurance does Ishi give to Timawi when Timawi observes that Tushi prefers Ishi's company?

6. According to Elder Uncle, why should the Yahi people not mourn for Timawi?

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

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

9. What assurance does Grandmother offer to Mother and Tushi after she realizes they have been crying over her approaching death?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Rituals are an important part of Yahi life. Describe some of the important rituals and explain their importance to the Yahi. Why does Ishi continue to perform many of these rituals even after he is the last of his people? Why does he choose to share these rituals with others? Be sure to include specific details to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

Journeys are important symbolic motifs in the novel. Analyze the characters' journeys and explain the significance of these journeys. What do the characters gain from their journeys? Why is the journey necessary? Be sure to support your ideas with specific examples and quotations.

(see the answer keys)

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