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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. After fleeing Illinois, why did Smith return?

2. In "Under the Banner of Heaven," what does Krakauer believe is the biggest disagreement between fundamentalists and modern Mormons?

3. Why did Debbie decide to flee Bountiful?

4. Whose will did Dan and Ron believe they were carrying out?

5. What effect did the Edmunds Tucker Act of 1887 have on the Mormon Church?

Short Essay Questions

1. Was Smith obedient with the angel Moroni? What was the outcome?

2. Why were the relations between Missourians and Mormons strained?

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

4. Does Krakauer believe taking funds from the government is hypocritical of fundamentalist Mormons? What is their justification?

5. Why was Crossfield excommunicated? How much of the LDS rejected him?

6. How does Krakauer build his story?

7. Was Smith a polygamist? According to whom?

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

9. What is the purpose of Krakauer presenting the entire story upfront in the prologue? Is he giving away the whole book?

10. Why was the LDS most appealing to Americans?

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

Krakauer discusses the long history of tensions between Mormons and the states they settled in. Discuss the causes and resolutions for these conflicts. How did the displacement of Mormons through several states affect the current make-up of their organization and attitude?

Essay Topic 3

Krakauer gives Mormon women a strong voice in his book. Providing the reader with angles ranging from Flora Jessop, who fled her polygamist home, to Emmylou, who dreams of being a plural wife. Discuss the point of view of Mormon women offered in the book and what dimensions of the church and humanity they display.

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