View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Dixie Lee believe tried to kill him?

2. Who arrives at the house as no surprise to Dave?

3. What worries Dixie Lee?

4. Why does Dixie Lee ask Sally Dio for help?

5. Who is Cletus Purcel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dixie Lee try to pressure Dave into helping him about the conversation Dixie Lee overhears?

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

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

4. Why do you think Dave refuses to help his old friend, Dixie Lee?

5. What do you think the package in Dave's mailbox means?

6. What does Dave read about Dixie Lee a week later?

7. What happens to Dave the day after his encounter with Mapes and Vidrine and do you think he is a responsible parent in that incident?

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

9. Describe and evaluate the character, Dixie Lee.

10. What does Nygurski say Sally Dio is doing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dave is treated as an outsider by many of those at the Blackfeet Reservation and by Mrs. Desmarteau. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Dave is treated like an outsider?

2. Do you think most non-reservation people would find it difficult to elicit information on an Indian reservation? Why or why not?

3. Do you think if Dave had been Native American, even if not of the Blackfeet tribe, he would have been treated differently?

4. Why is it that most people view with suspicion those who are different from themselves? What is missed by this attitude? What is gained?

Essay Topic 2

The two Native American murder victims are members of an organization called AIM (American Indian movement). Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly research and analyze AIM: include its goals, activities and effectiveness at obtaining its goals.

2. Analyze the incidents that took place at Wounded Knee in 1890 and 1973. How is AIM involved in the later incident? Was justice served?

3. Why is Clayton Desmarteau and his cousin killed? Does it have anything to do with their AIM activities? Explain fully. Were the two Native Americans justified in opposing Dio, Mapes and Vidrine?

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)

This section contains 1,177 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample