Native American Literature Quiz! Trivia
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Are you familiar with Native American literature? Do you suppose you can get past this quiz? There are traditional oral and written works of literature of the indigenous people of America. These consist of ancient hieroglyphic and pictographic writings of middle America and an extensive set of folktales, myths, and oral histories that were told by Native American storytellers throughout time. Take this quiz and put your knowledge of native American literature to the test.
- 1.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term void?
- A.
A deep gully cut by an intermittent stream
- B.
An empty space
- C.
An ankle-length garment worn by clergymen
- D.
A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
Correct Answer
B. An empty spaceExplanation
The term "void" is best defined as an empty space. This means that it refers to a place or area that is completely empty or devoid of any substance or matter. It can be used to describe a physical space that is completely vacant or lacking in anything, or it can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling or state of emptiness or lack. In either case, the term "void" signifies the absence of something and the presence of emptiness.Rate this question:
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- 2.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term ritual?
- A.
A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
- B.
Stubbornly opposed to what is right or reasonable.
- C.
Shifty; not straightforward
- D.
A broad, flat-topped hill with cliff-like sides
Correct Answer
A. A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.Explanation
The term ritual refers to a ceremonial act or a series of such acts. It involves specific actions or behaviors that are performed in a prescribed manner and often have symbolic meaning or religious significance. Rituals can be found in various cultures and can serve different purposes, such as expressing devotion, marking important events or transitions, or promoting social cohesion. They are typically characterized by repetition, tradition, and a sense of solemnity or reverence.Rate this question:
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- 3.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term devious?
- A.
To compete
- B.
To give up or give in
- C.
A place devoted to religious seclusion
- D.
Shifty; not straightforward
Correct Answer
D. Shifty; not straightforwardExplanation
The term "devious" refers to someone or something that is shifty and not straightforward. This means that they are dishonest or deceitful in their actions and intentions. They may use cunning or deceit to achieve their goals instead of being honest and direct.Rate this question:
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- 4.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term cloister?
- A.
A place devoted to religious seclusion
- B.
An ankle-length garment worn by clergymen
- C.
A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
- D.
A broad, flat-topped hill with cliff-like sides
Correct Answer
A. A place devoted to religious seclusionExplanation
A cloister is a place that is specifically dedicated to religious seclusion. It is a space where individuals, usually monks or nuns, live and practice their religious rituals in seclusion from the outside world. It provides a peaceful and secluded environment for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.Rate this question:
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- 5.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term perverse?
- A.
An ankle-length garment worn by clergymen
- B.
Stubbornly opposed to what is right or reasonable.
- C.
A place devoted to religious seclusion
- D.
A broad, flat-topped hill with cliff-like sides
Correct Answer
B. Stubbornly opposed to what is right or reasonable.Explanation
The term "perverse" is best defined as being stubbornly opposed to what is right or reasonable. This means that someone who is perverse intentionally goes against what is considered morally correct or logically sound. They may have a tendency to purposely act in a contrary or contradictory manner, often for no apparent reason.Rate this question:
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- 6.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term mesa?
- A.
An empty space
- B.
A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
- C.
A broad, flat-topped hill with cliff-like sides
- D.
Shifty; not straightforward
Correct Answer
C. A broad, flat-topped hill with cliff-like sidesExplanation
A mesa is a type of geographical formation characterized by a broad, flat-topped hill with steep, cliff-like sides. This term is commonly used to describe landforms found in arid or desert regions. Mesas are formed through erosion and weathering processes, where the softer rock layers are eroded away, leaving behind a flat plateau-like top and steep sides. These landforms are often visually striking and can be found in various parts of the world, such as the American Southwest.Rate this question:
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- 7.
(Vocabulary) Which best defines the term cassock?
- A.
An ankle-length garment worn by clergymen
- B.
A place devoted to religious seclusion
- C.
To compete
- D.
A deep gully cut by an intermittent stream
Correct Answer
A. An ankle-length garment worn by clergymenExplanation
A cassock is an ankle-length garment worn by clergymen. It is a specific type of clothing that is traditionally worn by members of the clergy, such as priests or ministers. The cassock is typically black in color and is often worn as a symbol of their religious vocation and dedication to their faith. It is an important part of their attire and is often worn during religious ceremonies and services.Rate this question:
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- 8.
(Turtle's Back) How did the young mother of twins die?
- A.
Her head was cut off.
- B.
Her son killed her during child-birth.
- C.
She was shot by an arrow.
- D.
She fell from high in the sky and broke her back on the rocky cliffs.
Correct Answer
B. Her son killed her during child-birth.Explanation
The correct answer is that the young mother of twins died because her son killed her during child-birth. This implies that during the process of giving birth to her twins, her son caused her death.Rate this question:
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- 9.
(Turtle's Back) According to the myth, the left-handed twin created a mountain lion in response to his brothers creation of ________.
- A.
Man
- B.
Birds
- C.
Deer
- D.
Coyote
Correct Answer
C. DeerExplanation
According to the myth, the left-handed twin created a mountain lion in response to his brother's creation of deer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
(High Horse) High Horse offered four horses to an old man for his _______.
- A.
Rifle
- B.
Daughter
- C.
Golden ring
- D.
Enchanted spear
Correct Answer
B. DaughterExplanation
High Horse offered four horses to an old man in exchange for his daughter.Rate this question:
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- 11.
(High Horse) What was the name of High Horse's good friend?
- A.
Red Bull
- B.
Black Deer
- C.
Red Deer
- D.
Black Dog
Correct Answer
C. Red DeerExplanation
High Horse's good friend was named Red Deer.Rate this question:
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- 12.
(High Horse) At the end of the story, the old man approved of High Horse.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In the story, it is mentioned that the old man approved of High Horse at the end. This suggests that the old man had a positive opinion of High Horse or was satisfied with his actions or behavior. Therefore, the statement "the old man approved of High Horse" is true.Rate this question:
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- 13.
(Coyote Myths) Which animal taught coyote how to turn another color?
- A.
Fox
- B.
Bluebird
- C.
Cardinal
- D.
Red deer
Correct Answer
B. BluebirdExplanation
The bluebird is the correct answer because in many Native American myths and folklore, it is believed that the bluebird taught the coyote how to change its fur color. This ability allowed the coyote to camouflage itself and blend in with its surroundings, helping it to be more successful in hunting and avoiding predators. The bluebird is often seen as a wise and knowledgeable creature in these stories, which is why it is associated with teaching the coyote this important skill.Rate this question:
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- 14.
(Coyote Myths) After turning blue, a coyote ran into a stump because he was....
- A.
Watching his shadow.
- B.
Intoxicated from drinking too much wine.
- C.
Blinded by the sun.
- D.
Injured by an arrow.
Correct Answer
A. Watching his shadow.Explanation
The coyote ran into a stump because he was watching his shadow. This suggests that the coyote was so engrossed in observing his own shadow that he lost focus on his surroundings and accidentally collided with the stump.Rate this question:
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- 15.
(Coyote Myths) Instead of killing the giant, coyote made a deal with the giant and lived as King inside the great beast for three generations.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement contradicts the common coyote myths where coyote is often portrayed as a trickster figure who outsmarts others, including giants. In this particular myth, coyote does not kill the giant but instead strikes a deal and lives inside the giant as a king. However, the given statement claims that this is true, which is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 16.
(Coyote Myths) In the myth, Coyote and Buffalo, Buffalo Bull disrespect the skull of Coyote by kicking it and tossing it up in the air.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because in the myth "Coyote and Buffalo," it is Coyote who disrespects Buffalo Bull's skull by kicking it and tossing it up in the air.Rate this question:
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- 17.
(Coyote Myths) What did Coyote make for Buffalo Bull?
- A.
A necklace made of bone
- B.
A spear with a diamond tip
- C.
New horns
- D.
A mystic fire
Correct Answer
C. New hornsExplanation
Coyote made new horns for Buffalo Bull.Rate this question:
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- 18.
(Coyote Myths) Coyote broke his promise to Buffalo Bull when he...
- A.
Killed the young cow.
- B.
Killed the bluebird.
- C.
Killed the whale.
- D.
Killed the fox.
Correct Answer
A. Killed the young cow.Explanation
In Coyote Myths, Coyote broke his promise to Buffalo Bull when he killed the young cow.Rate this question:
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- 19.
(Coyote Myths) What did Coyote give the rock?
- A.
A young cow
- B.
A glass of water
- C.
A blanket
- D.
A pillow made of willow branches
Correct Answer
C. A blanketExplanation
Coyote gave the rock a blanket.Rate this question:
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- 20.
(Coyote Myths) In the myth, Coyote and the Rolling Rock, which creature did not attempt to help Coyote?
- A.
Bears
- B.
Rattlesnakes
- C.
Witches
- D.
Buffalo
Correct Answer
D. BuffaloExplanation
In the myth, Coyote and the Rolling Rock, the buffalo did not attempt to help Coyote.Rate this question:
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- 21.
(Coyote Myths) When fox states, "No longer shall he live in the smaller waters, in the rivers, where he can make love to the wives of men, where he can lure wives from their husbands", he is referring to which creature?
- A.
The whale
- B.
The seal
- C.
The shark
- D.
The sea turtle
Correct Answer
A. The whaleExplanation
In this passage, the fox is referring to the whale when he talks about living in the smaller waters and luring wives from their husbands. The whale is a large marine creature that lives in the ocean, which can be considered larger waters compared to rivers. The mention of making love to the wives of men and luring wives from their husbands suggests that the fox is talking about a creature that can cause mischief or disrupt relationships, which aligns with the mischievous nature often associated with the fox. Therefore, the correct answer is the whale.Rate this question:
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- 22.
(Coyote Myths) According to the myths, which creature taught man how to get fire out of wood?
- A.
Fox
- B.
Coyote
- C.
Muskrat
- D.
Rattlesnake
Correct Answer
B. CoyoteExplanation
According to the myths, the coyote taught man how to get fire out of wood.Rate this question:
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- 23.
(Turtle's Back) The right-handed twin was angry at his brother for killing their mother.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement suggests that the right-handed twin is angry at his brother for killing their mother. Since the statement is presented as a fact without any additional context or information, we can assume that it is true.Rate this question:
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- 24.
(Turtle's Back) The right-handed twin killed his grandmother and tossed her head into the air.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True -
- 25.
(Coyote Myths) The fire beings were glad to share their fire with the hairless humans.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because according to Coyote Myths, the fire beings were not glad to share their fire with the hairless humans.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 07, 2011Quiz Created by
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