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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. Who unsuccessfully goes to see Billy Tuve?

2. Who is going to go together to pick up Billy?

3. Who do many people in the canyon area speculate the old man is who found the diamond case?

4. What does Louisa tell Joe that he should have thought about himself?

5. With whom does Joanna partner to go after Plymale?

Short Essay Questions

1. In a mystery, every sentence offers clues, either about the case or about the characters that are part of the case; what does the reader learn early on about Joe Leaphorn from one sentence?

2. Why do you think Fred Sherman, an ex-cop, is introduced as another "bad" guy?

3. At this point in the story, do you believe it when Joanna says that she seeks only her father's arm to end his pain in the afterlife and is not interested in the diamonds?

4. What does Joanna say that gains Billy Tuve's attention and why?

5. When you read that the bail has been suspended for Billy Tuve and why, what is your reaction?

6. At the beginning of Chapter 1, what is there that would clue the reader in on the possibility that this book will be based upon a flashback to an earlier date?

7. The focus on the possibility of rain continues in this chapter; name several hints that the weather may play a role in the story.

8. Why do you think the discussion of Kiva and Native American rites are included in Chapter 8?

9. The fact that Sherman survives the shooting by Joanna could have several implications; name one of them.

10. What story does Shorty tell that is the motivation for the setting moving to the floor of the Grand Canyon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 3, Joanna Craig is introduced and a little about her is narrated. It becomes apparent that one of the driving motivations for her actions in the story is revenge. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define revenge? How often do you think people are motivated by the desire for revenge? What do you think is the effect of holding such a desire for a long time without fulfillment?

2. Explain why Joanna wants revenge and on whom. Do you think she is justified in seeking revenge? Is the taking of revenge ever justified?

3. How does Joanna plan to take her revenge on Plymale? Does it seem like a reasonable plan? What could go wrong? Do you think Joanna will be happier if she gets her revenge?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 6, Bernie reflects upon when Chee adopts a cat that had been abandoned in the wilds. This story seems to serve two purposes. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Name the two purposes this story showing how the story serves to fulfill the purposes. How effective is the story in fulfilling its purposes?

2. How does this story make you feel about Jim Chee? Explain fully.

3. How many white people would have done the same with the cat as Jim does? Do you think Hillerman is a bit harsh in implying that whites in general are not as sensitive towards the animal kingdom as Native Americans?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in Skeleton Man are a mixture of complex (or three dimensional) and flat (or stereotypes) Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Write an in-depth character analysis of Joanna Craig. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate her. Is this character round or flat? What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Write an in-depth character analysis of Chandler. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. Is this character round or flat? What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

3. Choose three other characters besides Craig and Chandler and write about them in relationship to both Chandler and Craig. Are they friendly or hostile to either main character? Explain with examples. What is their purpose(s) in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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