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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. Why can the Sheriff do nothing about the letter?

2. Why does Dan Nygurski contact Dave?

3. Where does Dave go as soon as he has Alafair settled?

4. What worries Dixie Lee?

5. What is Dave's response to Dixie Lee's request?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe and evaluate the character, Dixie Lee.

2. What is Darlene American Horse like and how does she seem to figure in to the storyline?

3. Who is Nygurski; why does he visit Dave, and what does Dave tell him?

4. With what crime is Dave charged and what does he realize as to why they are charging him?

5. What is Alafair's reaction to Dave's decision and do you think Dave handles the situation wisely?

6. Who are Dave's cell mates and why is he placed in this cell?

7. Why does it seem Dixie Lee is destined for jail and what does he decide to do about it?

8. What is Sally Dio like and what is his connection to Dixie Lee?

9. How does Dave accidentally alert Mapes and Vidrine that he is looking into the fire at Dixie Lee's place? Why do you think the Sheriff allows this to happen?

10. What does Dixie Lee do that is perhaps a typical manipulative action of an alcoholic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dixie Lee is involved in a fatal accident while driving and drinking in which a child is killed. Discuss one of the following:

1. Do you think it is just to send Dixie Lee to prison for the reason stated above? What if it is the first DUI? The third?

2. Obviously Dixie Lee does not rehabilitate in prison as he is still drinking. Is prison a place for rehabilitation? If not, should it be? If so, how does it rehabilitate people? Explain fully with examples.

3. If a loved one (either friend, relative, or romantic partner) drinks and drives impaired and kills a child, would you fight to keep that person out of prison? Why or why not? Explain fully with examples.

Essay Topic 2

Both Dave and Dixie Lee have and/or have had a problem with alcohol. Discuss the following:

1. What constitutes being an alcoholic? What is AA? Why do you think Dave's wife "reminds" him in a dream to attend AA?

2. The twelfth step of AA is one of carrying the AA message to other alcoholics. Do you think Dave's agreement to allow Dixie Lee into his home under strict guidelines is partially a result of the concept of reaching out to other alcoholics?

3. Why do you think James Lee Burke chooses to have his primary protagonist be an alcoholic and attending AA meetings?

Essay Topic 3

Dreams play a significant role in BLACK CHERRY BLUES. Discuss the following:

1. How much (if any) do you think Dave's Cajun background contribute to his valuing his dreams?

2. Discuss Dave's three significant dreams and their interpretations.

3. Can Dave be taken seriously as a detective when he puts stock in such things as dreams? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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