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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. Where is Alafair staying while Dave is in jail?

2. How does Dixie Lee kill a child?

3. What does Dave realize is missing?

4. Which one of the following shares a cell with Dave?

5. Who is Dave accused of murdering?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Dave do to get himself thrown off Dio's property and is this a pattern of Dave's?

3. Why does the executive of Star Drilling Company have Dave thrown off the premises and what theme does this touch upon?

4. Do you think Dave's wife is actually coming to him in a dream or it is Dave just reminding himself to go to AA?

5. What is Dave remembering at the end of this chapter and how might that memory influence him to some sort of action?

6. Describe and evaluate the character, Dixie Lee.

7. How do we get a little hint of Dave Robicheaux's fathering abilities?

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

9. What does Dio offer Dave and what is Dave's response? Do you think Dave is right to refuse Dio's aid?

10. Describe Cletus Purcel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of James Lee Burke.

2. What in Burke's background may have helped Burke in writing BLACK CHERRY BLUES? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Dave is beginning to feel desperate by Chapter 10, thinking he will have to go on the run if he does not prove his innocence. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Dave would be smart to go on the run rather than stand trial if he cannot prove his innocence?

2. Do you think that Dave would have more success as an outlaw than most because of his cop background? Why or why not?

3. Would it be fair to subject Alafair of a life as a fugitive?

Essay Topic 3

Dave Robicheaux is the main character in a number of mystery novels by James Lee Burke. One of the most interesting things about Robicheaux is his Cajun background. It is therefore, useful to understand a little of Cajun culture. Discuss the following:

1. Who are the Cajuns? In what area of the United States do they reside? Who are several famous "real-life" Cajuns?

2. Describe some of the major aspects of the Cajun culture.

3. What about Dave Robicheaux reveals his Cajun heritage?

4. Why do you think James Lee Burke chooses to make his primary protagonist Cajun?

(see the answer keys)

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