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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 did Junior start to drink?

2. How are the newspaper reviews of the band?

3. How does Robert know he needs a particular woman?

4. What does Thomas list in a journal entry?

5. What do the cops do to Lester when they are playing ball?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Thomas ask Chess and Checkers to do and what is their response?

6. How does the band end up getting a name?

7. How does Lester end up with a broken nose during the game with the police?

8. What do Thomas and Chess do when Victor and Junior are sleeping in the van?

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

10. What does Thomas ask Chess about her church, what is her response and what story does he tell that starts her crying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Reservation Blues" belongs to the Native American literature genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the fantasy genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between Native American literature and an historical novel?

Essay Topic 2

Junior's dream is horrific in its detail. Wright and Sheridan were actual historical figures involved in the forcing of Native Americans onto reservations. While Wright might seem more compassionate to the Native American viewpoint, Sheridan seems to have no such weakness.

1. Do you think a person might be able to get insight into his/her life through a dream? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

2. What do you think is the symbolism of Wright and Sheridan in the book? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

3. What type of conflicts might Wright have had if he felt compassion for the very people he help herd onto reservations? What types of emotional and mental conflicts could he have experienced? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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