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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. Where does Captain Leaphorn work?

2. As Chapter 5 begins, Chee goes to visit his predecessor. Whom does Chee visit?

3. According to what B.J. tells Chee, when did the trouble between Sena and Vines start?

4. As Chapter 8 opens, where is Colton Wolf?

5. What kind of vehicle does Wolf rent once he leaves his trailer?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the reader is first introduced to Jim Chee, what season is just beginning according to the traditional calendar of Dinee?

2. As Chapter 8 opens, for what is Colton Wolf waiting?

3. As the reader is first introduced to Jim Chee, why does Jim Chee not have his winter coat with him?

4. When asked by Chee, why does B.J. Vines claim that Sena dislikes Vines?

5. As Chapter 8 opens, why is Colton Wolf working on his guns?

6. When Chee finally finds the home of the person he's looking for, Chee is asked to pass on a message. What is the message?

7. Even though Chee is curious about why Rosemary has requested his presence at her house, Chee does not ask her any questions. Why not?

8. According to what Chee learns while visiting his predecessor, how did the People of Darkness get their name?

9. When he reaches the university campus, why is Wolf dressed as though he works for a mortuary?

10. How does Vines' attempt to remove Chee from the missing box investigation affect Chee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story, there are several attempts made on Chee's life.

a. Identify at least three attempts on Chee's life. Describe the situation and how Chee escapes.

b. Compare and contrast the situations in which the attempts are made on Chee's life. What is the motivation in each of these situations to kill Chee?

Essay Topic 2

Hillerman uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There is no doubt that Gordo Sena is greatly affected by the events the death of his brother. Discuss how his brother's death and the events thereafter affect not only Sena's worldview but also his determination to find exact vengeance on his brother's killer. How do Gordo Sena's experiences affect his mental state, his ability to serve as sheriff his community, and his willingness to help Chee?

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