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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. What does Joanna hope will prove her kinship to John Clarke?

2. What is possibly foreshadowed at the end of this chapter?

3. Why can't Billy Tuve tell Cowboy and Jim what he is doing in the canyon when he gets the diamond?

4. What does Bernadette Manuelito admire on her way to Chee's trailer?

5. What saves Jim from a crazy woman who believed him to be a skinwalker?

Short Essay Questions

1. What story does Shorty tell that is the motivation for the setting moving to the floor of the Grand Canyon?

2. There are several inconsistencies in Chapter 13; name one of them.

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

4. Why do you think Hillerman introduces a character, Louisa Berbonette, in Chapter 5, who plays no part in the rest of the story?

5. At the beginning of Chapter 1, what is there that would clue the reader in on the possibility that this book will be based upon a flashback to an earlier date?

6. The focus on the possibility of rain continues in this chapter; name several hints that the weather may play a role in the story.

7. What in this chapter may foreshadow a future event?

8. What does the telephone conversation between Bernie and Chee say about their relationship?

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

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

In Chapter 3, Joanna Craig is introduced and a little about her is narrated. It becomes apparent that one of the driving motivations for her actions in the story is revenge. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define revenge? How often do you think people are motivated by the desire for revenge? What do you think is the effect of holding such a desire for a long time without fulfillment?

2. Explain why Joanna wants revenge and on whom. Do you think she is justified in seeking revenge? Is the taking of revenge ever justified?

3. How does Joanna plan to take her revenge on Plymale? Does it seem like a reasonable plan? What could go wrong? Do you think Joanna will be happier if she gets her revenge?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The characters in Skeleton Man are a mixture of complex (or three dimensional) and flat (or stereotypes) 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. Write an in-depth character analysis of Joanna Craig. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate her. Is this character round or flat? What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Write an in-depth character analysis of Chandler. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. Is this character round or flat? What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

3. Choose three other characters besides Craig and Chandler and write about them in relationship to both Chandler and Craig. Are they friendly or hostile to either main character? Explain with examples. What is their purpose(s) in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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