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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. What is the first thing Bernie sees as she looks in the cave/rain slot?

2. About what is Chee thinking when he notices the water pouring out of the slot?

3. What does Chandler manage to do while they are talking?

4. What does Joanna ask Chandler to do?

5. What is Chandler planning as he spots Joanna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What seems surprising in this story at this point in the book?

2. What reveals Bernie's training as a tribal police woman?

3. How does Chandler unconsciously give away his intentions in the scene where he and Joanna discover the snuff cans?

4. What could be a more sinister reason for Chandler giving Joanne back the arm bone of her father?

5. Do you see any difference between Chandler and Joanna at this point; after all, she agrees to a "partnership" with him?

6. How does Chee view the Colorado river?

7. After Joanna passes Chandler's hiding place, he calmly confronts her--why do you think she is so careless after having spotted Chandler on the canyon floor earlier?

8. What is incongruous in Chapter 26 that conflicts with something narrated in Chapter 14?

9. What do you think Joanna's decision to continue down to the canyon floor indicates?

10. What does Hillerman use Bernie for and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bernadette Manuelito, or Bernie, for short is first introduced in this chapter and later evolves to be a major figure in the story. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Describe Bernie fully, including physical description and personality traits. Comb through the book looking for all the information you can find about her.

2. In chapter 28, when Bernie is reassuring Joanna, Bernie says that she is a policewoman; however, Bernie is no longer working as a cop. Do you think this statement foreshadows Bernie going back to work for the tribal police? What do you think this statement says about how Bernie sees herself?

3. Judging from Bernie's actions throughout the story, how good a policewoman do you think she was? Give examples to support your stance.

Essay Topic 2

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the Hopi and Navajo cultures. 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. Who are the Hopi? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Hopi live in today's world?

2. Who are the Navajo? What are some of their beliefs? How do the Navajo live in today's world?

3. How do the Navajo and Hopi cultures inform the plot and actions of this novel? Give examples.

4. Compare and contrast the cultures of the Navajo and Hopi.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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