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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. Who was giving Dio information on the properties Star Drilling was buying up so that he could buy up bordering properties in order to cash in on the mineral rights?

2. Who does the man in Dave's house turn out to be?

3. How does Dave offend Darlene?

4. Why does Dave refuse to see Dixie Lee?

5. What does Dave ask the tribal chief?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Dave's response to Cletus taking Charlie out of the house ethical?

2. What could be possible reasons that Dave seems to be a bit of a hothead?

3. Why does Dave go to the courthouse and what is the result?

4. How does Cletus now become a sympathetic character?

5. Why does Dave believe Darlene's life is in danger?

6. Why do you think Darlene goes over and takes care of Dave when he is ill?

7. 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?

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

9. How does Mrs. Desmarteau receive Dave, and what does he learn?

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

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

Dave's wife is murdered in a previous novel in this series. Discuss the following:

1. How much do you think Dave's wife's murder influences how he behaves in this novel?

2. Do you think Dave is doing a good job of parenting Alafair alone? Why, or why not?

3. How do you think Darlene's murder coming not that long after his wife's murder impacts Dave?

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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