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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 Jane asks Lassiter to be her rider, what does that mean?

2. Why are there four separate entrances to the Brandt's house?

3. What does Bess say Oldring is doing to hide his true motives?

4. What happened in this area of Southern Utah in 1871?

5. When Blake returns to Withersteen house, what does Blake need to tell Lassiter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Balancing Rock and how it was made to balance. What would happen if the rock is dislodged? How can this protect Venters and Bess now that he knows how to use the rock as a defense? Do you think this is foreshadowing an event?

3. Bess tells Venters that she has memories of women and children. Who do you think these people were? What do you think their relationship was with Bess?

4. 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?

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. Compare the entrance to Surprise Valley under the stone bridge and the entrance to the ancient cave dwellers up the steep steps. How are these the same and how are they different? What did they mean to the ancient peoples and how are they important to Venters and Bess?

7. Venters sees Oldring and the Masked Rider ride across the edge of Jane's land. Why is this ominous? What do the people know about Oldring?

8. 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?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of women, men, and elders in the Mormon church. Look at their viewpoints and opinions. Use scenes from the novel to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Do you think Bishop Dyer is an evil man? Why? Why not? Give examples of his behavior that support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,297 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample