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

2. During dinner with Jane and Venters, Lassiter says he is looking for something. What is it?

3. What crime does Tull accuse Venters of?

4. What does Oldring really do for a living?

5. When Jane asks Lassiter to stay and eat, why does Lassiter hesitate?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. In Utah the Mormons are usually prosperous, while the Gentiles barely make enough to eat. Do you think Jane's father made his money in a way that hurt or used Gentiles in the area?

6. While exploring for the first time, Venters finds evidence of beavers in Surprise Valley and realizes that he must find the the stream where they entered. Why does Venters need to see the where the stream enters Surprise Valley? What is he afraid of?

7. The first appearance of Judkins, the Gentile rider "means hell." Why do you think this is true?

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

9. As Bess tells Venters of her relationship with Oldring, does she seem haunted? What about her past does not match with the girl that Venters is getting to know? Is Venters having trouble seeing both sides of Bess? Are there two sides to Bess?

10. In Chapter 4, why does Judkins say that it is not normal for rustlers to shoot at a rider? Is this a code of ethics or standards practiced by the riders in this story? What does it mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Jane's blindness to Mormonism. When does she break the cycle? Give examples when she defies the church.

Essay Topic 2

How would you describe Surprise Valley? What were the magical powers of the valley? If Surprise Valley is the Garden of Eden, then who are Venters and Bess? What does this make of Lassiter and Jane now that they are trapped in Surprise Valley forever?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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