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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Standing by the stove in the bar, what does Ayah decide to do?
(a) Pray.
(b) Sing.
(c) Dry her blanket.
(d) Sleep.

2. After a time, Ayah realized that she could no longer do what with her two remaining children?
(a) Visit them.
(b) See them.
(c) Speak Navajo with them.
(d) Hug them.

3. What are the sounds Ayah hears at the beginning of section two?
(a) Silence.
(b) Chato's cries.
(c) Dogs barking.
(d) People arguing.

4. As Ayah learned the rhythm of her pains while in labor with Jimmie, what did she smell outside the stone hogan?
(a) Bee flowers blooming and willows.
(b) Frybread.
(c) Dew.
(d) Smoke.

5. Why does Ayah visually search every dark place in the bar?
(a) To see if there are other Navajos there.
(b) To see if there is danger.
(c) To see if Chato is sleeping in them.
(d) To see if the place is safe.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Ayah feel Chato did to her by teaching her to sign her name in English?

2. Why does Ayah need to warm herself by the fire?

3. The last time Ayah met with her children, how did Ella stare at her?

4. Where does Chato buy his wine?

5. Why is Ayah allowed to go into the bar?

Short Essay Questions

1. Ayah states she is frightened by how the doctors look at the children, like lizards watching flies. Why does this metaphor drive home the predator and prey motif?

2. Why did Ayah feel the men look at her like she is a spider?

3. What do the scars on Chato's hands symbolize?

4. What is the significance of Jimmie's old Army blanket to Ayah?

5. Why did Ayah feel relieved that the wine and the government money were gone?

6. What does Ayah's walk back to the bar symbolize?

7. Why did Ayah not say good-bye to Danny and Ella during the last visit?

8. What is the significance of Ayah recognizing one of the white doctors who came to her home?

9. What does Ayah mean when she says "they are already being weaned from the lava hills and from this sky"?

10. Why is it important for Ayah to remember that her mother's blankets are soft and woven so tight that rain rolls off of them?

(see the answer keys)

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