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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. What does Mother take from her treasure bundle and wear on the night that she dies?

2. When is a Yahi allowed to kill and eat Porcupine?

3. How does Ishi get rid of the brown bear that wants his cave?

4. According to Ishi, what is the best saldu magic?

5. According to Ishi, what ruins the oatmeal at breakfast?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Ishi's initial reactions to the City?

2. How is the Stranger who visits Ishi different from the other saldu he has met?

3. What does Ishi value about his relationship with the girl that he meets in the arroyo?

4. Why does the return of his quiver and knife lead Ishi to suggest the trip to the Yahi world?

5. Why is it important for Ishi to teach Maliwal?

6. How does Ishi's understanding of the war affect him?

7. Which of Ishi's City experiences connect him with Tushi?

8. What details lead Ishi to believe that Elder Uncle and Tushi have not survived the escape?

9. How have Ishi and Mother's lives changed since the disappearance of Elder Uncle and Tushi?

10. Why does the "friend" return Ishi's quiver and knife to him?

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

The novel chronicles most of Ishi's life, and in a way, the reader gets to see him grow up. Trace Ishi's development from boy, man, to "Elder Brother." Explain how different experiences help him grow into a man and mentor. Be sure to provide specific examples and quotations to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Ishi's old life in the Yahi world and his new life with the saldu. How does he adapt to his new life? How does he merge his old life into his new life? Provide specific examples and quotations to support your observations.

(see the answer keys)

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