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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. The precise timing necessary for Nector and Lulu's routine suggests:

2. In observing Lulu's close-knit sons, Beverly is reminded of the fact that:

3. Why does everyone seem wary of King's new car?

4. Leopolda strikes Marie with the oak pole because:

5. Marie will not pray because:

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the title "Love Medicine" reflected in the chapter itself.

2. What is the tone of the meeting between Lulu and Marie at the end of the chapter.

3. Consider the title "Crown of Thorns." What is suggested by the title and the use of the phrase within the chapter?

4. What does Lipsha decide about death in the chapter?

5. What is Nector's opinion of Marie's family?

6. How does Erdrich describe Gordie's limited perception of reality (caused by his drunkenness)?

7. What does the motif of coldness suggest in the chapter?

8. Aside from good and evil, what other conflicting forces is Marie struggling with?

9. Why is Albertine's first person narrative necessary to the message of the story?

10. In what way is Marie the "foundation" of Lipsha's life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Erdrich often uses animals to symbolize ideas or make connections in her novel. Choose three examples of animals as symbols in Love Medicine, and use them to support a central idea in Erdrich's text. Consider who or what the animals represent, and how Erdrich is using them to communicate a theme or message.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the concept of family in Love Medicine. Using characters from the novel as examples, identify the author's definition of family and write an essay clarifying this definition.

Essay Topic 3

The stories in Erdrich's novel are sometimes told in first person point of view, and sometimes in third person point of view. Consider the effect this choice has on the reader's understanding of characters and events. Using specific examples, defend or refute Erdrich's choice to vary point of view in her novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 981 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample