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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. Krakauer explains that, because of Crossfield, Smith realized the ______ of allowing personal revelations.

2. Joseph Smith was the son of a ______.

3. What did Smith change in his rules for the Mormon Church because of Crossfield?

4. Debbie Palmer was her own step-grandmother because polygamist men have the right to marry their ______.

5. At the School of the Prophets, what practice did Crossfield attempt to reinstate in his students?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was DeLoy no longer with the Mormon Church?

2. What caused the end of Smith and Law's friendship?

3. Why did Rockwell shoot the Missouri Governor? What was the outcome?

4. What caused Dan Lafferty's trouble with the law? Was this compensated for in any way through religion?

5. Why did Debbie Palmer and Flora Jessop act as they did?

6. Why did Leavitt bring Green to trial?

7. What is the purpose of Krakauer presenting the entire story upfront in the prologue? Is he giving away the whole book?

8. What is Section 132? Why was it important to Smith?

9. Was Smith a polygamist? According to whom?

10. According to Palmer, why was Elizabeth Smart an easy target?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each new prophet in the Mormon Church brought about changes to the elements of the church. Based on the youth of the church, each change seems radical. Discuss the significance of the rapid changing of prophets and which was the most significant to the face of the church today.

Essay Topic 2

The Lafferty family's actions are what developed the inspiration for Krakauer's exploration into the Mormon Church. They represent fanaticism and fundamentalism in more concrete terms for the reader. Discuss how the effect of the Lafferty family fleshes out the church's history which Krakauer provides. Who are the Laffertys? What are they supposed to represent?

Essay Topic 3

Polygamy is the primary conflict addressed in the book. While it was once a general practice of the church, modern Mormons no longer accept it. However, to some extent, it is still practiced. Discuss how Krakauer uses polygamy as a weight in comparing the different sects of the LDS. Why does Krakauer focus on polygamy so much? Why is it a central topic in the church and in Krakauer's findings?

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