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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. According to Ishi, what problem arises from wearing shoes?

2. Why does Ishi carefully untie the string rather than cut them?

3. What service does Ishi offer to the museum?

4. What ritual does Ishi share with Majapa and Maliwal when they first arrive in Gahma?

5. Whose Dream do Ishi and the others follow as they travel into the Yahi world?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ishi value about his relationship with the girl that he meets in the arroyo?

2. What is Ishi's first impression of the saldu village?

3. Why does the return of his quiver and knife lead Ishi to suggest the trip to the Yahi world?

4. How does Mother's death affect Ishi?

5. How does Ishi overcome his concern about bringing Majapa and Maliwal into the Yahi world?

6. How is the Stranger who visits Ishi different from the other saldu he has met?

7. Why does Ishi choose to return to the museum rather than stay in the Yahi world?

8. Which of Ishi's City experiences connect him with Tushi?

9. Why does the "friend" return Ishi's quiver and knife to him?

10. Why is Ishi hesitant about bringing Majapa and Maliwal into the Yahi world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Yahi world, the spirit world interacts with and influences the world of the living. Explain the ways in which the living are influenced and affected by the spirits. What does this suggest about the Yahi culture? How does this affect the ways in which the Yahi view life? Be sure to include specific examples and evidence to support your explanations.

Essay Topic 2

Even though Ishi dies as the last of his people, he manages to "save" the Yahi in a way. Explain how Ishi is able to preserve the Yahi way and ensure that the culture does not disappear. Provide specific examples and quotations for support.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, the importance of passing on knowledge and responsibility to the next generation is an important theme. In fact, Ishi continues this tradition even after he is the last of his people. Analyze the cycle of "passing down" from one generation to the next and how this cycle adapts to fit the changes that Ishi experiences. Be sure to support your ideas with specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,443 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample