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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. When Chandler tells Joanna she can have the arm if he can have the diamonds, what is her reply?

2. What reflects back Chandler's flashlight beam?

3. Where does it appear that Bernie climbs?

4. Who abandons Joanna?

5. What happens when Bernie and Chee are reunited?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. What might be the implications of Bernie and Chee's relationship from the way they are interacting at the end of Chapter 28?

5. How does Chee view the Colorado river?

6. Do you see any difference between Chandler and Joanna at this point; after all, she agrees to a "partnership" with him?

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

8. What so you think is the significance in the different responses to the shaman's body between that of Chandler and Joanna?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of themes that run as a thread throughout the novel. 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. Trace the development of the theme that "events and things in the universe are ultimately connected" (as explained by Joe in chapter one): . Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of the existing political situation during this novel.

2. Trace the development of the theme of greed. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of the how the concept of duality manifest in character personalities and in the physical setting.

3. Trace the development of the theme of violence. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis as to why this theme is central to the novel's plot.

Essay Topic 2

One of the overlying themes in this book and indeed most of Hillerman's books is the differences between White, Western culture and that of Native Americans. 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. Choose two of the following areas and compare and contrast the White, Western culture with the Native American culture: religion, nature, politics/government, marriage, death, war, gender roles.

2. Using the entire novel, write an essay on how you think Hillerman perceives Native American culture.

3. Using the entire novel, write an essay on how you think Hillerman perceives white, Western culture.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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