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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. What does Darlene tell Dave about Dio?

2. Who does Dave let in for a glass of water?

3. Why do the police think Desmarteau leaves town?

4. Where is Darlene's funeral held?

5. What is the apparent cause of Darlene's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Dave's response to Dixie Lee's request to help and do you think it is wise?

2. How does Cletus save Dave's wife and do you think he and Dave are more alike than first seemed?

3. What happens when Dave picks up Alafair at school and do you think the teacher and principal are justified in their response?

4. What event foreshadows a future event in the book?

5. What does Dave learn about Mapes and what does this information tell the reader about the man?

6. What happens that seems to indicate that Dixie Lee may finally be getting his life back on track?

7. What does Dave dream and what might the dream foreshadow?

8. What happens when Darlene comes over to Dave's home and what is the outcome?

9. What does Dio want when he calls Dave, and what is Dave's response?

10. Why do you think Darlene's does not know much about the American Indian Movement, one of the most controversial and publicized Indian organizations, yet her last name (American Horse) suggests she is Native American?

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

The plot of a mystery/detective novel is part of what makes the book successful or not. Discuss the following:

1. What is the basic plot of BLACK CHERRY BLUES?

2. How successful is the author at making the plot believable?

3. How successful is the author at expressing the plot with believable characters and action?

4. Do you think most mystery/detective novels have the same basic plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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