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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. Abel slept with one of ___________ daughter's, even though she dressed and ran away from him when he wanted her again.

2. Abel heard the sound of the ____________ and it filled him with a particular kind of dread that remained with him throughout his days.

3. Vidal and Abel came back to the box canyon to watch their grandfather dig with a __________.

4. What would Fat Josie give to Abel during visits to the house after his mother died?

5. ________ thought the gray geese to be beautiful against the moon as they flew.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is in the trap that Francisco set a long time ago at the opening of the book?

2. Who had Francisco beaten in a race for good hunting and harvests, something which he looks upon fondly?

3. What does Abel do when he sees the bird in the sack after it has been captured?

4. Describe the history of the Kiowa, as Tosamah describes it from his own memory and his own experience.

5. As Abel stares out into the silent valley, what is the memory he recalls having shared with Vidal?

6. What did Ben sign softly as he and Abel sat up on the hill before the final departure of Abel the next day?

7. What happens when Abel sings and calls out during one of the rain retreats, according to his memory?

8. What happens in the memory Abel has of his grandfather calling him as he heard the old men pray?

9. What did Tosamah have to do in order to reach the grave of his grandmother when he went out to visit her?

10. Who did Ben think never left Abel alone during the two months that he and Abel were friends and things were going well for Abel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At times, it seems the portrayal of women is a bit less than fair, especially in the minds of female readers.

Part 1: What are the main characteristics the female characters in the book share?

Part 2: Are women shown to be strong and powerful? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think women aren't portrayed in a more positive light? Or are they?

Essay Topic 2

The scene in which Abel kills the albino seems to be a striking and yet understandable scene.

Part 1: Why do you think Abel decided to kill the albino?

Part 2: How do you think Abel felt about killing the albino?

Part 3: What is the potential symbolism of this scene? What might it represent in terms of race relations, for example?

Essay Topic 3

Angela seems to be restless in her life, trying to seduce Abel and make herself feel pretty again.

Part 1: Why do you think Angela is so restless about her life?

Part 2: Do you think Angela's marriage is a happy one? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think Abel decided to sleep with Angela, even though he doesn't think she's pretty?

(see the answer keys)

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