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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 Victor dream about with a priest?

2. Who does Samuel injure in a game?

3. What does Chess say about the city of Seattle?

4. What does Chess do when the band is playing?

5. What does Michael White Hawk say about the band in the local paper?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Chess ask Thomas about religion and how does Thomas respond?

3. What happens to the band on the way to a venue not on an Indian Reservation and what surprises the band about the incident?

4. What does Victor dream about that involves his mother and his stepfather?

5. What was the mix-up with the gig in Seattle?

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

7. What happens at a rest stop on the way to Seattle?

8. What do Thomas, Victor and Junior decide to do when Victor and Junior come over to Thomas' house?

9. What does David Walks Along find when he returns to his office from the band rehearsal and what does the band do when they hear his news?

10. What surprises Thomas about Victor and Junior's music, who comes to listen to the band rehearse, what kind of music do they expect and what does the band actually play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas' fears show that he is more of a thinker than the other male members of the band. From the start, Thomas has been the member to make all important decisions, except when a vote is required, and he takes on the task of composing original music. Thomas' fears regarding becoming famous show that he thinks about future outcomes rather than latch onto an unrealistic and idealistic view of the effects of fame.

1. Do you think the fact that Thomas does not drink makes him more logical in his approach to life and the band's situation? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

2. What are some of the reasons Thomas might have to fear becoming famous? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

3. What do you think are some unrealistic or idealistic views of fame that many people have? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Thomas and his tormentors Victor and Junior is familiar and conditioned over time. Clearly these men have known each other since childhood and they continue to act the same way toward each other as they did as children. Victor and Junior are the oppressors, and Thomas is the passive victim.

1. Why do you think it is difficult to change our relationship with a person we have known for many years? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

2. What do you think are some of the reasons a bully victimizes others? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

3. Why do you think Thomas remains passive when he is bullied by Victor and Junior? Look at Thomas, not only in the present, but also the clues one is given from his childhood. Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Reservation Blues", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Reservation Blues". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

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