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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 idea of Mormon families was the biggest problem to Debbie Palmer?

2. How did Dan remember his childhood?

3. Why did Smith plead guilty to treason?

4. What is the key difference Krakauer cites between the Bible and the Book of Mormon?

5. Joseph Smith was the son of a ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was DeLoy no longer with the Mormon Church?

2. What caused Dan Lafferty's trouble with the law? Was this compensated for in any way through religion?

3. How was it possible for Debbie Palmer to be her own step-grandmother?

4. What were the potential problems with the LDS recognizing personal revelations? Was it possible to correct these problems?

5. What does Krakauer see as "strange" about the road to Smith's revelation?

6. What caused the end of Smith and Law's friendship?

7. According to Krakauer, how different are modern and fundamentalist Mormons?

8. Why was Joseph Smith charged with fraud? How did his treasure business compare with his religious revelation?

9. Why did Rockwell shoot the Missouri Governor? What was the outcome?

10. What is Section 132? Why was it important to Smith?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Polygamy is the primary conflict addressed in the book. While it was once a general practice of the church, modern Mormons no longer accept it. However, to some extent, it is still practiced. Discuss how Krakauer uses polygamy as a weight in comparing the different sects of the LDS. Why does Krakauer focus on polygamy so much? Why is it a central topic in the church and in Krakauer's findings?

Essay Topic 2

Robert Crossfield, otherwise known as the Prophet Onias, had a significant impact on the LDS and the Lafferty family because of his belief in personal revelations. What flaws in humans and the LDS did Crossfield's actions bring out? What influence did his ideals have on Mormonism?

Essay Topic 3

The Mormon Church, despite many obstacles, has managed to grow and remain in tact. Discuss why the LDS is so appealing. To whom is it so appealing? What are the main reasons for its continued existence and success?

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