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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 doesn't Cowboy need any more water?

2. When does Mary become cooperative with Bernie?

3. Why does Chandler not grasp the branch with both hands to save himself?

4. What does the old shaman who lives on the side of the canyon claim?

5. On what errand does Chandler send Joanna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hillerman use Bernie for and why?

2. Why do you think Chandler gives Joanne back the arm bone of her father?

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

4. How does Chandler unconsciously give away his intentions in the scene where he and Joanna discover the snuff cans?

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

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

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

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 does Chee find that probably points to future events?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the novel opens and then moves along to its conclusion, some characters seem to be more different from each other than first appears and some seem more alike to each other than first appears. Choose one of the following and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Compare the character of Chandler from who he seems to be during the first half of the book to the person he seems to be in last half. How is he alike? How different? Which "person" do you like the best? Why?

2. Compare the character of Joanna Craig from who she seems to be during the first half of the book to the person she seems to be in the last half. How is she alike? How different? Which "person" do you like the best? Why?

3. Compare and contrast Bernie, Chee, and Joe from who they seem to be when they are first introduced to who they are revealed to be by the end of the story. How much do they either change or become who they really are? Who did you like at first and then dislike by the end of the story--and vice versa? Which of the three characters seems to change more? Why?

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

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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