TEST Review: Native American Literature

What is the central idea of the Yakama creation story?

• The world was created in a single day.

• Humans were created to serve nature.

• Creation stems from divine intention and is shaped by human actions.

• The mountains were always there, untouched by gods.

Answer explanation

The Yakama creation story emphasizes that creation is driven by divine intention, while human actions play a crucial role in shaping the world, highlighting the interconnectedness of the divine and humanity.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

According to the story, how are women portrayed in Yakama mythology?

• Women were responsible only for household chores.

• Women were not involved in cultural practices.

• Women were important in preserving and sharing traditions.

• Women had little influence in the community.

Answer explanation

In Yakama mythology, women play a crucial role in preserving and sharing traditions, highlighting their importance in cultural practices and community life, contrary to the other options that downplay their influence.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

What inference can be made about the “spirits” in the mountains?

• They are dangerous forces that control nature.

• They watch over their ancestors with interest.

• They plan to return and punish the living.

• They do not care about the world below.

Answer explanation

The correct choice suggests that the spirits are guardians of their ancestors, indicating a protective and watchful nature rather than a vengeful or indifferent one. This aligns with cultural beliefs about ancestral spirits.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is the effect of the author including the line, “She prayed to the Great Chief Above for help”?

• It shows the woman’s rejection of tradition.

• It shifts the focus from human actions to human spirituality.

• It builds suspense about a coming danger.

• It illustrates her weakness and helplessness.

Answer explanation

The line "She prayed to the Great Chief Above for help" emphasizes her spiritual connection, shifting the focus from her immediate actions to her reliance on a higher power, highlighting the importance of spirituality in her situation.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the structure of the Yakama story contribute to its meaning?

• It uses flashbacks to explain tribal conflict.

• It builds gradually from creation of the world to human's moral consequence.

• It begins with a tragic ending and works backward.

• It alternates between different narrators’ perspectives.

Answer explanation

The structure of the Yakama story builds gradually from the creation of the world, emphasizing the moral consequences of human actions. This progression highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of moral choices.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Why does the Yakama story end with the spirits watching from the mountains? (RL.11.2)

• To explain the origins of weather.

• To establish fear of nature.

• To emphasize that ancestors remain spiritually present.

• To encourage people to move to the mountains.

Answer explanation

The story ends with the spirits watching from the mountains to emphasize that ancestors remain spiritually present, highlighting the connection between the living and their heritage.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Which quotation from the story best supports the inference that the woman was determined? (RL.11.1)

• The woman became hungry for all kinds of strange delicacies.

• She kept her husband busy almost to distraction.

• He didn't like the idea. He knew it was wrong. But she insisted, and he gave in.

• She bent over and looked down and saw the ocean far below.

Answer explanation

The quotation "He didn't like the idea. He knew it was wrong. But she insisted, and he gave in." clearly shows the woman's determination, as she persists despite her husband's objections.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which theme is developed by the actions of the twins? (RL.11.2)

• Good always defeats evil.

• Good and evil are components for balance.

• Nature is unpredictable and dangerous.

• Disobedience leads to punishment.

Answer explanation

The actions of the twins illustrate that good and evil coexist and are necessary for balance in their world. Their experiences show how each aspect influences the other, supporting the theme that both are essential components.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

After their duel, what does the grandmother’s dialogue and actions reveal about her character? (RL.11.3)

• She was indifferent to the outcome.

• She valued fairness and balance.

• She was loyal to the left-handed twin.

• She respected the right-handed twin’s decision.

Answer explanation

The grandmother's loyalty to the left-handed twin is evident in her dialogue and actions after the duel, indicating her strong support and preference for him over the right-handed twin.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is the impact of the figurative language in the phrase, “He Holds Up the Skies?”

• It illustrates the twin's physical strength.

• It emphasizes his divine responsibility.

• It suggests that he is burdened by power.

• It connects him to natural disasters.

Answer explanation

The phrase "He Holds Up the Skies" suggests a divine responsibility, indicating that the character has a significant role in maintaining order and balance in the universe, rather than merely showcasing physical strength.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9