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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. Tosamah's grandmother was ___________ though she had a great appreciation for language and for stories.

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. Abel came upon a(n) ___________ house, a small tower of stone built around a pit, hollow and open at the top.

4. The man who crossed the canyon after four days encountered a man with the feet of a ___________.

5. To find his grandmother's grave, Tosamah has to walk along the path of the _______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. After Abel had his experience with the box canyon, what did he do after that?

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

3. What surrounded Francisco in his camp when he was riding out as a young man?

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

5. Who did not dance when the group of men got together to get drunk the night before Abel's departure?

6. What did Abel do after he left his grandfather's house after Francisco died?

7. Why does Ben think that Milly is going to come around anymore, according to what he has noticed?

8. What things did Ben offer to Abel on the first day they were introduced to each other?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The family connections in this story are compelling, though they might not always be positive.

Part 1: How does family play a role in Abel's life?

Part 2: Does the author seem to believe family is important? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think Abel's father was not a part of his life?

Essay Topic 2

There are vast differences between the older and the newer generations of Native Americans in this story.

Part 1: Compare and contrast the older and newer generations of Native Americans in this story.

Part 2: Do you think the newer generation of Native Americans is hopeful? Why or why not?

Part 3: What does Momaday seem to be saying for the future of Native Americans?

Essay Topic 3

The memories that flood back into Abel's mind give the reader a sense of who he was when he was younger, but also a sense of who is is in the present day.

Part 1: Why do you think Momaday decided to write about Abel through the memories he has?

Part 2: Why are memories a good way to get to know someone?

Part 3: Do you think the story would have been stronger if the life story of Abel had been told in a more conventional way? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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