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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 Leaphorn's contact in Amtrak tell him?

2. Who does not want to live on the Navajo Reservation?

3. What is high quality but worn?

4. What does Leaphorn ask his friend?

5. What does Leaphorn do at dusk?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Anges Tsosie tell Joe Leaphorn when he questions her?

2. What is one source of cash for Fleck to help his mother and who does he contact about it?

3. What ceremony is Jim Chee observing and why is he there?

4. What is a possible break Leaphorn makes in the case as he revisits the scene at dusk?

5. Why does Joe Leaphorn believe harmony has been restored in terms of the corpse in the desert?

6. What does Catherine Perry find on her desk and who does she blame?

7. For whom does Janet Chee work and what is her relationship to her immediate supervisor?

8. Describe Henry Highhawk's appearance at the Night Chant ceremony.

9. Who has called Catherine Perry and what does she think he wants?

10. Describe Agnes Tsosie's visit to the doctor.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Talking God, like most detective novels, involves the act of murder. Discuss the following:

1. What is murder? Is the act of murder always clearly murder?

2. Do you think the death of Leroy Fleck, who is a known murderer, is at all tragic? Why or why not.

3. Is murder ever justified? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Most mystery novels have an element of fear and suspense. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of fear in Talking God. Use specific examples to support your ideas. In what ways is fear felt? Who feels fearful? Why?

2. Why do you think many people enjoy getting scared? For example--in spook houses at Halloween or by reading mystery/suspense novels that contain an element of fear?

3. Is anything a character is afraid of within his/her control to change? What? Why do you think the character has not addressed those issues?

4. Discuss whether or not you enjoy the experience of being scared when you know it is not "real."

Essay Topic 3

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the Navajo cultures. 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. Who are the Navajo? What are some of the different clans of Navajo? How do the various clans differ, if they do? What are some of their common beliefs? How do the Navajo live in today's world?

3. How does the Navajo culture inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

4. Compare and contrast the cultures of two Southwestern Native American tribes.

(see the answer keys)

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