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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. For how much money did B.J. Vines sell the rights to his uranium find to Anaconda?

2. As Chapter 8 opens, what is Colton Wolf doing?

3. How much additional money does Rosemary Vines offer to pay Chee when he returns the missing box?

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

5. What does the word "Dinee" mean?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Vines' attempt to remove Chee from the missing box investigation affect Chee?

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

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

6. According to what Chee learns while visiting his predecessor, how did the People of Darkness get their name?

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

8. Describe the second person who illegally parks the car in the parking lot while the bacteriologist watches from her window.

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

10. 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?

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

Identify the people interested in the outcome of Chee's investigation, especially once the oil well explosion figures prominently in his questions. Compare and contrast these people in terms of their motivations, ability to plan, ability to manipulate, and success achieved. How are they similar? How are they different? Did any one person end up influencing Chee more than the others? If so, who and why? Support your answer with examples from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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