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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. Who does Big Mom convince to come with her to comfort the band?

2. What is the first thing that is noticeable about Big Mom?

3. What does the band leave in New York?

4. What pain does Junior recall?

5. What does Thomas say about Lester's present to the band?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Victor see Junior again and what does he do when he sees Junior?

2. What happens when Thomas and Chess return to the hotel and what surprises them about their room?

3. What does Junior do when the band leaves Big Mom?

4. What was in the conversation Father Arnold has with the bishop?

5. What does Junior say about his white college girlfriend?

6. What does Checkers find when she sneaks out of Thomas' house and goes to the church?

7. How do the members of the band feel when they first see Big Mom and what does she tell Victor?

8. What knocks the band to the ground and what does Thomas ask Big Mom? How does she respond to his question?

9. How does the band get involved with Sheridan and Wright?

10. What do Sheridan and Wright do after talking to the band?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Reservation Blues". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Alexie chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Alexie chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Alexie's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Alexie use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Sherman Alexie.

2. What in Alexie's background may have helped him in writing "Reservation Blues"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,150 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample