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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. For how long has Leaphorn's wife been dead?

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

3. Who is Henry Highhawk?

4. What does Leaphorn ask his friend?

5. Who is Captain Largo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Catherine Perry's thoughts about Highhawk's request?

2. What has Henry Highhawk asked the Smithsonian to do?

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

4. What is Jim Chee's response to Mary's letter?

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

6. Describe what Joe Leaphorn finds at the crime scene Kennedy asks him to investigate.

7. What does Janet say about one of McDermott's clients who is a real estate developer?

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

9. About what does Jay Kennedy call Joe Leaphorn?

10. What makes Leaphorn decide to travel to Washington, D. C. for his vacation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 4, Officer Chee is watching dancers prepare for the Yeibichai or Night Chant ceremony. Discuss the following

1. Research some Navajo rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of ceremonies for the common events in human life (such as birth, death, marriage, etc.)?

3. Has Native American culture influenced some aspect of the predominant culture of the United States? How? Give examples and discuss fully.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Talking God. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hillerman chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in Talking God. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hillerman chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Hillerman's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Hillerman use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

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 of Talking God, write an essay on how you think Hillerman perceives Native American culture.

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

(see the answer keys)

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