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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. Who is Mary Landon?

2. How much does Billy Tuve want for the item?

3. What does Chandler have to do with Seattle?

4. How does Billy become mentally challenged?

5. What is Sherman to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Hillerman stereotypes characters such as Chandler and Plymale, making them one-dimensional?

2. What event is the starting point for what becomes known as the Skeleton Man case?

3. When you read that the bail has been suspended for Billy Tuve and why, what is your reaction?

4. The fact that Sherman survives the shooting by Joanna could have several implications; name one of them.

5. How is a Caucasian woman from New York related to a case that takes place on Navajo lands in New Mexico?

6. Do you think Louisa's condemnation of the modern pollution of ancient myths is totally logical?

7. Why do you think the discussion of Kiva and Native American rites are included in Chapter 8?

8. What about the difference between white and Native American culture does Hillerman seem to be again emphasizing. Why do you as a reader respond to this obvious stereotyping?

9. How does Sam Pinto illustrate Joe's theory by enumerating a theoretical series of events?

10. What does Joanna say that gains Billy Tuve's attention and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of morality is an integral part of understanding both the characters and the plot. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define morality as it is used in this novel?

2. Do all the characters have the same definition of morality? How do the characters differ in the way they perceive morality and in how they perceive themselves as moral people?

3. How important is it to Joanna, Chandler, Bernie, and Plymale that they are perceived as moral people? Give examples to illustrate each person's belief. How important is it to each of those characters that they are actually moral people? Is there a discrepancy? Why do you think this is? Do you think these four characters are moral? Why or why not? Be specific.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 10, Sherman and Chandler discuss the details of the assignment from Plymale and decide that at the very least, Billy Tuve will have to be murdered, but it will have to be made to look like an accident because of the Arizona death penalty laws. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What is the death penalty as it exists in the United States? Do all states have the same laws? What are the death penalty laws at the present in Arizona and New Mexico? Is the death penalty administered fairly without regard to race, sex, religion, etc.?

2. Is the death penalty a true deterrent to murder? Why or why not? Is the murder rate per capita lower in the states that have and use the death penalty regularly? Would you be willing to inject, shoot, or electrocute someone yourself if they have received the death penalty?

3. How many people who have been executed under the laws of the death penalty have later been proven to be innocent? Does this change your opinion of the death penalty? What are some alternatives to the death penalty?

Essay Topic 3

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the Hopi and Navajo cultures. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Who are the Hopi? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Hopi live in today's world?

2. Who are the Navajo? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Navajo live in today's world?

3. How do the Navajo and Hopi cultures inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

4. Compare and contrast the cultures of the Navajo and Hopi.

(see the answer keys)

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