House Made of Dawn

In what ways does the relationship between Abel and Francisco develop throughout the novel? How do outside factors such as war influence their relationship?

What does Abel’s murder trial illustrate about his alienation from society?

How does Angela use her sexual relationship with Abel to provide personal validation? How does their relationship relate to her complex understanding of race?

Martinez is the corrupt police officer who robs and beats Abel. How does Martinez’s corruption reflect a deeper malaise in American society?

Abel and Francisco have different understandings of the symbolism in the race of the dead. How do their different understandings of the race demonstrate cultural erosion in Indigenous American communities?

In what ways does the eagle hunt succeed? In what ways does it fail? Cite passages from the text in your answer.

Abel wakes up beside the sea, badly beaten. What does his proximity to the sea symbolize?

Do you think House Made of Dawn can be considered a post-apocalyptic novel? Why or why not?