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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 does Chee do when Highhawk receives a phone call and excuses himself?

2. What other Native American artifacts are in Highhawk's office?

3. What does Leaphorn learn about auranofin?

4. What does the Amtrak conductor find when he looks in the roomette?

5. Why does Leaphorn miss Emma particularly at this moment?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who does Fleck follow to the Smithsonian?

3. What lesson does Fleck remember from his childhood?

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

5. Who comes to Leaphorn's hotel room and what do they want and how does Leaphorn handle the situation?

6. Whose body is found in some bushes and what is the cause of death?

7. With whom does Chee have breakfast and what amazes Chee?

8. What does Chee conclude about the Yeibichai mask and how does he come to that conclusion?

9. Describe the conversation between Leroy and Delmar Fleck.

10. Describe the conversation between Fleck and the Client and Fleck's reaction afterward.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most mystery novels have an element of fear and suspense. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of fear in Talking God. Use specific examples to support your ideas. In what ways is fear felt? Who feels fearful? Why?

2. Why do you think many people enjoy getting scared? For example--in spook houses at Halloween or by reading mystery/suspense novels that contain an element of fear?

3. Is anything a character is afraid of within his/her control to change? What? Why do you think the character has not addressed those issues?

4. Discuss whether or not you enjoy the experience of being scared when you know it is not "real."

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Talking God.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Talking God. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Talking God. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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