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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 is Highhawk found?

2. How do Leaphorn's interrogators act?

3. In what State penitentiary does Fleck do time?

4. What is missing from Highhawk's hook in his office?

5. Who goes with Leaphorn to Union Station?

Short Essay Questions

1. What lesson does Fleck remember from his childhood?

2. Besides a Yeibichai mask, what else does Chee find of interest in Highhawk's office?

3. Who does Fleck follow to the Smithsonian?

4. Describe the conversation between Leroy and Delmar Fleck.

5. Describe Fleck's conversation with "The Client" after reading the newspaper articles.

6. What does Leaphorn learn when he calls his office?

7. Why do Chee and Highhawk agree to meet at the museum?

8. What happens while Highhawk and Chee are sitting in Highhawk's office and what does Chee do?

9. What does Fleck read in the newspaper about Cardona and about the man Fleck murders in the desert?

10. What does Leaphorn observe about the handwriting on papers in the victim's luggage and what does he realize about one of the papers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Talking God, like most novels in the detective genre involves police officers and police work. Discuss the following:

1. What are the characteristics of an effective police officer? Does Leaphorn perform well as a police officer? What about Chee? Kennedy?

2. What additional characteristics does a police detective need versus a policeman on the beat?

3. Discuss the clash between the FBI and the police. Should more cooperation take place between the agencies? Why do you think the FBI is often portrayed in an uncomplimentary light in police/detective novels? How does Hillerman portray the FBI?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 4, Officer Chee is watching dancers prepare for the Yeibichai or Night Chant ceremony. Discuss the following

1. Research some Navajo rites or initiation ceremonies and describe them and give your thoughts about them.

2. What do you think is the purpose of ceremonies for the common events in human life (such as birth, death, marriage, etc.)?

3. Has Native American culture influenced some aspect of the predominant culture of the United States? How? Give examples and discuss fully.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Talking God. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hillerman chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in Talking God. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hillerman chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Hillerman's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Hillerman use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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