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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. As Bernadette Manuelito sweetly remembers things about Jim Chee, what happens?

2. What does Chandler learn about Joanna?

3. What does Billy Tuve try to hock?

4. Where is Billy?

5. What does Sherman tell Chandler?

Short Essay Questions

1. What seems to be a likely foreshadowing of a coming event?

2. What allusion to the allegory of Cat story is contained in Chapter 13?

3. How is the story about Cat an allegory for what Chee has encountered in his life?

4. 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?

5. What do you think is the main purpose of this short chapter?

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

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

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

9. How does Hillerman use the story of the cat in Chapter 6 for more than one purpose?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 4, Chandler brings up the idea of "birthright." Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the term "birthright," and define it and give examples. How has the concept of "birthright" changed over the centuries?

2. Do you agree with Chandler that he should have all his material wants fulfilled because of having been born in a wealthy family? Should anyone born into a wealthy family be supplied with everything s/he wants? Why or why not?

3. What are other things one gets by "birthright"? What have you received by birthright? Are you happy with all of it? (Think of the term birthright in very broad ways). Can you change any circumstances that are yours by birthright? How would you do so?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, Chandler is meeting with Plymale at a private beach in the Caribbean. Chandler enjoys and envies the luxury in which he is basking, thinking it should be his by birthright. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What is envy? Do most humans experience envy at some point in their lives? What is a healthy way of dealing with envy?

2. How does Chandler deal with his envy? Do you agree with him that he should have all his material wants fulfilled because of having been born in a wealthy family? Should anyone born into a wealthy family be supplied with everything s/he wants? Why or why not?

3. Is it accurate to say that envy is one of the things that ultimately kills Chandler? Why or why not? Can something such as envy lead to one's death or unhappiness? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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