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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 takes Billy to his mother's house?

2. Who is Billy Tuve?

3. What do the cops find at the motel where Chandler is supposed to be?

4. What saves Jim from a crazy woman who believed him to be a skinwalker?

5. What kind of cult is someone starting?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think Louisa's condemnation of the modern pollution of ancient myths is totally logical?

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

3. Why do you think Hillerman stereotypes characters such as Chandler and Plymale, making them one-dimensional?

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

5. There are several inconsistencies in Chapter 13; name one of them.

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

7. How does Sam Pinto illustrate Joe's theory by enumerating a theoretical series of events?

8. What do you think is the main purpose of this short chapter?

9. 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?

10. Why do you think Hillerman introduces a character, Louisa Berbonette, in Chapter 5, who plays no part in the rest of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 8, Billy Tuve is asked about his Kiva initiation rites, which he describes in the Hopi language to the other Hopi who is there, Cowboy Dashee, though even Cowboy cannot hear the entire story since he is of a different Kiva from Billy. 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. Research some common Native American rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of secret societies which have initiation rites for those who want to be a part of the society? (consider such groups as the Free masons, Eastern Star, etc.). Describe one such group, their purpose, and how one becomes a member. Would you consider joining a secret society? Why?

3. How have secret societies influenced the way of life in the United States? (Consider such groups as the KKK, Black Panthers, the Communist party, etc.)

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, Chandler brings up the idea of "birthright." Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the term "birthright," and define it and give examples. How has the concept of "birthright" changed over the centuries?

2. Do you agree with Chandler that he should have all his material wants fulfilled because of having been born in a wealthy family? Should anyone born into a wealthy family be supplied with everything s/he wants? Why or why not?

3. What are other things one gets by "birthright"? What have you received by birthright? Are you happy with all of it? (Think of the term birthright in very broad ways). Can you change any circumstances that are yours by birthright? How would you do so?

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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