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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 Aragon do for the first time since the fire circle?

2. What happens to Teresa Gonzales?

3. Why did Nora's meeting with Goddard make her so nervous?

4. How does Peter find the road Nora is seeking?

5. How many rooms does Nora estimate are in the city of Quivira?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does John leave Nora and Bill so suddenly?

2. Why does Nora believe Smithback almost ruined everything, and as such, still harbor some resentment towards him?

3. What two incidents in Chapters 1 through 8 suggest to the reader some kind of witchcraft or demonic forces are at work behind the scenes?

4. What does Dr. Blakewood want Nora to do when she tells him about her father's letter?

5. What was the problem with Holroyd's map?

6. What is so important about the letter Nora finds from her father?

7. Why was the ridge Nora was seeking called the Devil's Backbone?

8. What incidents cause tensions to flare between Nora and Sloane?

9. How does Skip suggest Nora find the road their father claims in his letter to have followed?

10. Who is still missing from the group when Nora arrives at the meeting place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Skip Kelly is given work as part of Nora's deal with Dr. Goddard. Earlier, first impressions were discussed.

Part one: What first impression does Skip give? How is that in direct opposition to his actual character? What acts or actions define him throughout this story, and what are the differences between the character he reveals on first impression vs the character that he actually is?

Part two: What first impression do you think you give? How is that in opposition with who you believe yourself to be inside (if at all)? What is the reason for the discrepancy between the two?

Essay Topic 2

With all that has been revealed so far, choose which truth is behind the city and its inhabitants. One theory is that an earthquake released a toxic spore from the earth and either killed or drove out the inhabitants. The other theory argues the possibility that with the amount of corpse powder being produced and used, an earthquake may have released it on an unsuspecting population, killing many and driving the rest out. Support your choice with facts taken from the book.

Essay Topic 3

There are several factors that play into Nora's determination to take the horses over Devil's Backbone. This is a costly decision in several different ways, both physical and emotional. What are they? There is some dissent among team members as well. How does that factor into the decision, if at all? What could have been done at this point that may have avoided the tragic loss they suffer? Roscoe is one of her major opponents at this juncture. How does the tragedy that occurs play a part in their behavior further into the story?

(see the answer keys)

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