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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. Who is at Highhawk's townhouse when Chee and Leaphorn arrive?

2. In what State penitentiary does Fleck do time?

3. To what is the cassette recorder found in Highhawk's pocket wired?

4. What is Leaphorn's typical outfit at home?

5. What myth do the surreal drawings represent that Chee studies in Highhawk's office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Besides a Yeibichai mask, what else does Chee find of interest in Highhawk's office?

2. With whom does Chee have breakfast and what amazes Chee?

3. What is Fleck's association with Eddy Elkins and why does Fleck think of him in this chapter?

4. What does the recording found with Highhawk reveal?

5. How does Leaphorn find an address for the victim that was dumped in the desert?

6. Describe Fleck's conversation with "The Client" after reading the newspaper articles.

7. Who does Fleck follow to the Smithsonian?

8. Describe the conversation between Leroy and Delmar Fleck.

9. What happens while Highhawk and Chee are sitting in Highhawk's office and what does Chee do?

10. What does Jim Chee find in Highhawk's office and what does he think of it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Talking God belongs to the detective/crime/mystery genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the detective/crime/mystery genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a suspense novel and a murder mystery?

4. Many in the world of academe do not see mystery as a serious genre, that its primary purpose is entertainment and not "worthy" of being studied by serious students of literature? Respond to that idea.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Talking God is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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