Manuel and the Magic Fox Comprehension Quiz

Why does Manuel initially feel conflicted about his uncle Tobi's invitation to stay overnight?

• He dislikes his uncle's stories and prefers to be home.

• He is worried about the long walk back to the Pueblo by himself.

• He is tempted by his uncle's company but fears his mother's disapproval for missing Mass.

• He knows his mother needs his help at home and doesn't want to leave her alone.

Manuel's decision to follow the unusual tracks in the sand suggests what about his personality?

• He is easily distracted and often loses his way.

• He has a strong sense of curiosity and is observant of his surroundings.

• He is disobedient and intentionally ignores his mother's wishes.

• He is fearful of wild animals and wants to ensure they aren't near the Pueblo.

Manuel offers the fox both a SPAM sandwich and cornbread. What can the fox's reaction to these foods tell us about its true nature?

• It reveals that the fox is simply a hungry wild animal.

• It suggests the fox has unusual tastes or is not a typical wild animal.

• It shows that the fox is polite and will eat whatever is offered.

• It indicates the fox is familiar with human food and has been around people before.

The priest's statement that there is 'nothing he can do for her—it just has to run its course' after Manuel's mother's stroke implies:

• The priest is not a very helpful person.

• The doctor believes her condition is severe and unlikely to improve quickly.

• Manuel's mother is faking her illness to get attention.

• Modern medicine is ineffective in treating strokes.

Why might the author have included the detail about the Japanese relocation center being near the Pueblo?

• To provide historical context and hint at potential connections to future events in the story.

• To show that Manuel is aware of current events and concerned about the wider world.

• To create a sense of unease and foreshadow the arrival of Tomiko.

• All of the above.

Manuel's initial suspicion of Tomiko is primarily based on:

• Her strange name and the fact that no one else has seen her.

• His mother's confusion and the neighbors' denial of helping.

• The fact that she appears too clean to have been living in the desert.

• All of the above.

When Tomiko tells Manuel that a 'relocation center' is as much of an understatement as a 'reservation,' what does this reveal about her perspective and understanding of these terms?

• It shows she believes both terms accurately describe the places.

• It suggests she finds both terms to be misleading and minimizing of the true nature of those places.

• It indicates she has a better understanding of reservations than relocation centers.

• It implies she has never been to either a reservation or a relocation center.

The discovery of the fox skin in the closet leads Manuel to conclude that:

• Tomiko is keeping a pet fox hidden in the house.

• His mother has a secret connection to the local wildlife.

• Tomiko is able to transform into the red fox he saw.

• The fox skin is a family heirloom passed down through generations.

Manuel's realization that Tomiko has been digging at the relocation camp is significant because it reveals:

• Tomiko is a dangerous criminal trying to escape.

• Tomiko has a deep loyalty to the people in the camp and is acting out of desperation.

• Tomiko is simply looking for a way to return to her family.

• Manuel should report Tomiko to the authorities.

The final exchange between Manuel and Tomiko about legends suggests a central theme of the story. What is the most likely interpretation of Tomiko's statement, "If people don’t abandon their legends, why would the legends abandon them?"

• It means that legends are only real if people continue to believe in them.

• It implies that Tomiko's true nature and her connection to the fox legend are dependent on acceptance and understanding.

• It suggests that Manuel should share more of his uncle's stories with Tomiko.

• It warns Manuel that if he betrays Tomiko, the magic will disappear from his life.