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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. Why does the author provide signs of racism in this first chapter of the book?

2. In Chapter 4, why does Little Tree feel grown-up?

3. How is Granpa's approach to making whiskey different from that of the "city criminals" who just want to make money?

4. Why does Granpa pay so much attention to praising Little Tree and making him feel important?

5. In Chapter 7, Little Tree's grandparents place emphasis on teaching him some more very important skills. Why do they do this?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Granpa teaching Little Tree to do the hard work involved in farming so early in his life?

2. How does Granma illustrate her father's ability to feel tree spirits?

3. In Chapter 3, how does Granpa explain George Washington's decision to introduce a tax on whiskey? How does Granpa justify this belief?

4. How does the revelation of Granpa's trade help to shed light on the reason for his earlier objection to one of George Washington's laws?

5. How does Granma explain the existence of body and spirit to Little Tree in Chapter 8?

6. Give an example from Chapter 4 of the author's ability to use vivid description.

7. Summarize the story about 'Coon Jack' and explain Granpa's reason for telling it to Little Tree.

8. How does Granpa use the whiskey trade to give Little Tree a sense of belonging in the family, and how do readers know that it works?

9. State an important purpose that is served by this chapter in regard to the social setting of the book.

10. In Chapter 3, what does the author reveal about Granpa's views on politicians and authority figures?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An important aspect of the novel's impact lies in the ability of the author to portray character effectively. Justifying your answer with reference to specific examples, discuss the methods used by the author to portray two major and two minor characters in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Forrest Carter makes significant use of symbolism in the novel. Using specific examples of different types of symbols, write a detailed analysis of the author's use of symbolism throughout the novel. Where is it seen? How effectively is it used?

Essay Topic 3

An outstanding feature of this story is the author's ability to provide vivid descriptions that help to promote the Cherokee respect for, and love of nature. Provide detailed references to at least three different settings in the novel, and use them to demonstrate the validity of this assertion.

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