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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 Thomas tell the band after he talks to the bar owner?

2. What does Victor dream about with a priest?

3. What kind of vehicle is Thomas driving?

4. What does Thomas want to do with Chess?

5. What does David find out about his nephew, Michael?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Thomas and the two sisters do the night they find his father in the yard?

2. What does Thomas do after the show at Flathead?

3. How does the song "Reservation Blues" come about?

4. What happens with the guitar and Thomas the night he plays for Victor and Junior?

5. How did Victor and Junior begin drinking and what is Thomas's drinking history?

6. Why can't Chess sleep in the van due to Junior?

7. What does the guitar do about Thomas singing to Chess, and what does Chess eventually do?

8. What is Victor doing while the band is waiting for their turn in the the battle of the bands?

9. What does Checkers tell Father Arnold when she visits him?

10. What happens when the band first arrives at Flathead Reservation and what happens about time there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes "Reservation Blues" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Thomas. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Chess. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Junior. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Reservation Blues".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Reservation Blues". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Reservation Blues". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Reservation Blues" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Reservation Blues" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Reservation Blues" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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