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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. When Chee goes to meet B.J. Vines, how does B.J. characterize his wife?

2. What does the word "Dinee" mean?

3. How does B.J Vines characterize the oil well explosion?

4. Under what name does Colton Wolf rent the vehicle he gets once he leaves his trailer?

5. According to what Chee is told by his caller, who does the caller believe is responsible for taking the missing box?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Chee finally finds the home of the person he's looking for, Chee is asked to pass on a message. What is the message?

2. When asked by Chee, why does B.J. Vines claim that Sena dislikes Vines?

3. Why were the employees of the oil company going to "shoot" the oil well?

4. Even though Chee is curious about why Rosemary has requested his presence at her house, Chee does not ask her any questions. Why not?

5. Why had the peyote church been outlawed by the Tribal Council?

6. According to what B.J Vines tells Chee, why does Vines believe the box was stolen?

7. As Chee drives into the desert, he is listening to songs his uncle wants him to memorize. Why does his uncle want Chee to memorize these songs?

8. Why does the Vines' house puzzle Jim Chee?

9. As the reader is first introduced to Jim Chee, what season is just beginning according to the traditional calendar of Dinee?

10. After Rosemary questions Chee on how well he knows Navajo "religion," what does Rosemary ask if Chee knows anything about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the course of the novel, Hopi and Navajo traditions abound. In fact, these traditions and rituals become a main reason behind the story's plot. Identify at least three different Hopi or Navajo traditions that affected the plot and the lives of the characters involved in the story. For each instance, describe the ritual, the characters involved, and the way Hopi or Navajo traditions affected the story's plot. How might the story have been different if these traditions had not been a part of the plot? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

There is no doubt that Gordo Sena is greatly affected by the events the death of his brother. Discuss how his brother's death and the events thereafter affect not only Sena's worldview but also his determination to find exact vengeance on his brother's killer. How do Gordo Sena's experiences affect his mental state, his ability to serve as sheriff his community, and his willingness to help Chee?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast B.J. Vines and Gordo Sena.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role that justice plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of justice - both positively and negatively?

(see the answer keys)

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