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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. Venters has two dogs. What are their names?

2. As the situation worsens, Jane tells Jerd to only care for only two things. What?

3. When Venters asks Bess what she did when she wasn't riding with Oldring, what does she say?

4. Lassiter rides into the white herd to calm them and stop the movement. What happens to Lassiter's horse?

5. While Venters is in Surprise Valley, Jane brings a guest into her home. Who?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jane keep Milly's grave overgrown and hidden?

2. What is the significance of the gold that Jane uses to pay both Judkins and Blake? Where did she get it? Why is she paying these men in gold? Does this say anything about her father?

3. Describe Jane's relationship with Bishop Dyer. How does Jane view Bishop Dyer's connection to God? How was he helpful to her father? Why is Jane torn between the man Dyer and the bishop Dyer?

4. How is Tull different than the man he pretends to be? How does he play both ends of his conspiracy against Jane?

5. Jane is torn between her love for the Mormon church and the reality of the actions of it's leaders. How is this internal conflict reflected in Jane's actions?

6. When Bess learns of Venters stealing the calves from Oldring, what is she afraid of? Who is she afraid for? What does she think will happen if Venters continues to act so carelessly?

7. Describe Tull's campaign to pressure Jane into marriage. How does he manipulate other Mormon and non-Mormons to help him with his campaign.

8. Who was Milly Erne and why did she refuse to teach at the school? What impact did this have on Milly's life?

9. Venters wonders if Oldring is Mormon. What effect would that have on the story?

10. Jane wonders aloud if Lassiter was Milly's husband. Why would this be important? Would this mean that Lassiter was a Mormon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story, Jane is trying to get Lassiter's guns, but when he finally offers them, she refuses. What has changed in both characters at this point in the story? Then, at the end, Lassiter drops and leaves his gun as he ascends the cliff to Surprise Valley. What is the symbolism here? What does it mean that the guns are empty?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the growth of the character of Venters. How does he grow from a boy to a man? Use specific scenes from the novel when you felt that he was changing in the moment.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the final showdown between Oldring and Venters. What does this scene tell the reader about Bess? Is the connection between Bess and Lassiter and Jane made clear at this point? When does it become clear to the reader who Bess is and where she comes from?

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This section contains 1,164 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample