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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. Whose brother was killed in the explosion at the oil well?

2. After finishing with his interview, where does Chee invite Mary?

3. How long has Colton Wolf been paying the man who sent Wolf the letter?

4. About when did the explosion at the oil well occur?

5. What is the name of the clan to which Chee belongs?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Chapter 8 opens, why is Colton Wolf working on his guns?

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. 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?

7. When he reaches the university campus, why is Wolf dressed as though he works for a mortuary?

8. Why does Wolf's employer send Wolf to the university campus?

9. According to Chee, why do Navajos lack sentimentality about corpses?

10. As the reader is first introduced to Jim Chee, why does Jim Chee not have his winter coat with him?

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 that are 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

Throughout the story, there are several attempts made on Chee's life.

a. Identify at least three attempts on Chee's life. Describe the situation and how Chee escapes.

b. Compare and contrast the situations in which the attempts are made on Chee's life. What is the motivation in each of these situations to kill Chee?

Essay Topic 3

B.J. Vines seems to be a man who is supremely confident in his ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Vines helped by his utter confidence? How is Vines hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.

(see the answer keys)

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