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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 go to Deception Pass every day?

2. Who founded the town of Cottonwood?

3. After the shooting, Venters moves Bess to a safe location, but returns to the oval valley. Why?

4. Venters and his dog, Ring, stay in the oval canyon and watch as rustlers enter an opening to another canyon. What does this prove?

5. Jane sends Judkins to town to find out about the disappearance of her riders. What does Judkins discover?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Venters returns from hunting, Bess is sitting up in bed and wants to be lifted down. What does this moment signify in their relationship? How are they judging each other at this point in the story?

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. 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?

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

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. Would you describe Tull's handiwork as a conspiracy? What makes it a conspiracy? Give examples.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What is the symbolism of the sage? How does the sage define the lives of the characters? Start when Venters chooses to go sleep in the sage instead of sleeping indoors. Does the sage mean freedom? Peace? What?

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