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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. Why does Venters want Bess to get well?

2. Where did Jane get her horses?

3. What does Oldring really do for a living?

4. Just after the rustlers pass Venters and his dog in the canyon, Ring turns and growls at two riders coming right at them. Who is one of the riders?

5. What does the Bishop say Jane's father wanted for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jane's main goal with Lassiter? What is she trying to get him to do? How is she using Fay to get what she wants from Lassiter? How is she using Lassiter's attraction to her to get what she wants?

2. Venters goes every day to Deception Pass and practices with his guns. Before the opening incident with Tull, who did he think was after him? Why did he feel the need to practice with his guns?

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

4. 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?

5. When Jane visits the Brandts in town, the women warn her about her behavior. What are the Mormon's women's concerns with Jane? How do they think she will be punished? How will she be rewarded if she marries Tull? Would her marriage to Tull be the right thing for her religiously?

6. When Venters carries Bess up the pass to the hidden valley, he experiences a new strength. What is this strength? What is the source of Venters strength?

7. 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?

8. Venter asks Bess, "what were you to Oldring?" How does Bess answer and what does her answer mean? Since Venters stops her before she can explain further, do you think there might be more to her story?

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

10. Mrs. Larkin would like for Fay to be raised by Jane, but without Mormon teachings. According to the story, what is Mrs. Larkin really afraid of for her little Fay if she is raised Mormon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is important about the imagery of the cliff dwellers? Why is this important to the story? How are the lives of the dwellers connected to Venters and Bess or Lassiter and Jane? Why do you believe the author used cliff dwellers in the story? What does it add to the story of the valley?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Is the character of Oldring good or bad? Describe the stories about Oldring that are bad. Describe the stories about Oldring that are good. In the end, how do you feel about this character? Can you imagine this story without him? Why? Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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