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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 the reader is first introduced to Jim Chee, what day is it?

2. On what campus is the bacteriologist's lab located?

3. What does the word "Dinee" mean?

4. What does Wolf do when he reaches the area where people normally dump their junk?

5. What is Colton Wolf's hobby?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. Describe the person who illegally parks the truck in the parking lot while the bacteriologist watches from her window.

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

6. How did the explosion at the oil well occur?

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

8. As Chapter 8 opens, for what is Colton Wolf waiting?

9. According to Chee's predecessor, a relationship with the tribal police was destroyed after the oil well explosion. Describe the initial rift that caused the relationship to unravel.

10. What is the malpais?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they affect the story's plot as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what effect would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

Essay Topic 2

B.J. Vines wears different masks in the story. Both a respected community member and an incredible liar, Vines is a study in contradictions. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides/personas of B.J. Vines. How would the entire plot have been affected if Vines had not been successful at deceiving those around him? Why is it necessary for Vines to wear different masks? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regard to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Was the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 803 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample