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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 is Bernie so excited about her find?

2. What does Bernie do while hiding from Chandler and Joanna?

3. About what is Chee thinking when he notices the water pouring out of the slot?

4. Where does Chee manage to get Cowboy Dashee?

5. For whom is Chee searching?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Hillerman has Tuve disappear?

2. Do you think the scene of Bernie finding the diamonds and arm is anti-climatic and why?

3. What seems incongruous about Bernie avoiding looking at the shaman?

4. Why do you think Joanna avoids the violent death that may be awaiting Chandler at the hand of the water?

5. When the old Hopi woman warns Bernie that she shouldn't be there, the woman then warms up to her; why do you think this is?

6. In Chapter 16, the reader learns more about the Hopi legend of the Skeleton Man, for which the book is named; what is this legend?

7. What is incongruous in Chapter 26 that conflicts with something narrated in Chapter 14?

8. What theme seems to come to fruition in this chapter?

9. How does Chee view the Colorado river?

10. What do you think is the purpose in Chapter 15 of the narrator reiterating many facts already known to the reader?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 9, Chee is reflecting on his past, particularly upon his past romantic relationships. A story he things about concerns "Cat," a domesticated cat. The story about Cat might be considered an allegory. 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 an allegory? What is the purpose of the Cat allegory?

2. Why do you think an author might use an allegory to express a concept or idea? Do you think the Cat allegory is effective?

3. Are there any other allegories in the novel? What about the story Sam Pinto tells in Chapter 1? Could this be an allegory about how the white man has ruined the environment?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 8, Billy Tuve is asked about his Kiva initiation rites, which he describes in the Hopi language to the other Hopi who is there, Cowboy Dashee, though even Cowboy cannot hear the entire story since he is of a different Kiva from Billy. 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. Research some common Native American rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of secret societies which have initiation rites for those who want to be a part of the society? (consider such groups as the Free masons, Eastern Star, etc.). Describe one such group, their purpose, and how one becomes a member. Would you consider joining a secret society? Why?

3. How have secret societies influenced the way of life in the United States? (Consider such groups as the KKK, Black Panthers, the Communist party, etc.)

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 13 gives the readers an astonishing view of Joanna Craig when she shoots Sherman in cold blood. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Does Joanna's action of shooting Sherman come as a surprise? Why or why not? Do you think the action is justified? Do you think she can be held legally responsible?

2. What would you have done in Joanna's place? The same thing? Something different? Do you think Joanna intended to kill Sherman?

3. Sherman recovers from his gunshot wound and is unwilling to say who shoots him. Why do you think he does this? Is it merely chauvinism as Joe suggests? Since Sherman refuses to point the finger at Joanne, she gets off scot free. Is this fair? Are you glad or outraged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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