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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. How soon does Elder Uncle suggest that they move to the cave?

2. How do Ishi and Timawi know that they are near a herd of deer?

3. Who is responsible for moving the village to Wounupo?

4. How does Elder Uncle purify Ishi of any danger that might have followed him from the spirit world?

5. From Tuliyani, which direction is the Trail to the Land of the Dead?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Ishi and Tushi plan a Harvest Feast?

2. Why does Elder Uncle agree to move into the abandoned bear den in spite of his reservations?

3. What does Tushi's dream seem to foretell, and how does Ishi respond to her dream?

4. According to Elder Uncle, why should the Yahi people not mourn for Timawi?

5. What comment does Grandfather make regarding Ishi's eating after he returns from his journey?

6. What makes Ishi's hunting trip with Elder Uncle so memorable?

7. What does Tushi refuse to wear the sweetgrass bracelet that Timawi wants to give her?

8. How does Tushi's contribution to the move conflict with the traditional expectations that the Yahi have for women?

9. Why does Elder Uncle say that they should no longer hunt on the mountain next to the village?

10. According to Timawi, how were the seven remaining members of the Yahi tribe able to survive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the roles of men and women in the Yahi culture. What expectations are held for women? What expectations are held for men? What might explain the differences in these gender roles? How are men and women each shown respect? Provide examples to support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Rituals are an important part of Yahi life. Describe some of the important rituals and explain their importance to the Yahi. Why does Ishi continue to perform many of these rituals even after he is the last of his people? Why does he choose to share these rituals with others? Be sure to include specific details to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

Life and death (both literal and symbolic) are important themes in the novel. Many times, Ishi could give up and stop running or he could simply choose to wait for death. Instead, he chooses to continue with his life and be productive and social. Analyze the ways in which Ishi deals with loss (death) and the ways in which he chooses life. Include specific examples and quotations for support.

(see the answer keys)

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