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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 do Dave and his father catch?

2. What does Dave learn when he picks up Alafair?

3. What does the man who comes in for some water do?

4. What does Dave do at the lake?

5. What is the name American Horse?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Dave's lawyer feeling about Dave's case and why?

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

5. What does Dave learn at the Blackfeet Reservation, and do you think the Chief is being as helpful as possible?

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

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

8. How does Cletus now become a sympathetic character?

9. What happens at the lake and what does this incident reinforce to the reader about Dave's personality?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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