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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 Ishi wander away when he is supposed to be watching over Tushi?

2. What does the next group of saldu leave in the cave when they return to look for Mother?

3. Why are Ishi and Tushi convinced that the saldu will discover them if they try to move now?

4. How do Ishi and Timawi lose the sheep that they steal?

5. What does Tushi ask Grandmother to do in order to make the time pass while Ishi and Timawi are gone?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do the saldu treat Ishi's village when they discover it?

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

5. What does Grandfather say to Elder Uncle in order to reassure him after Timawi and Ishi leave?

6. How is Ishi's bow important for his development into manhood?

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

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

9. How do Elder Uncle and Grandfather begin to prepare Ishi for manhood in Section 5 of "The Moon Seasons?"

10. According to Timawi, how were the seven remaining members of the Yahi tribe able to survive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Ishi dies as the last of his people, he manages to "save" the Yahi in a way. Explain how Ishi is able to preserve the Yahi way and ensure that the culture does not disappear. Provide specific examples and quotations for support.

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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