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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 do Wright and Sheridan explain to the band members?

2. What does Sheridan say to Checkers in her dream?

3. Why does the Tribal Police order the band to remain inside Thomas' house?

4. Who says he is leaving the reservation?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Thomas and Chess talk about regarding fame?

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

3. What problem does the band encounter at the airport and what does Thomas do during the flight?

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

5. What does Johnson convince Big Mom to do and what does she give him? Why does she give him it?

6. What happens at Junior's funeral?

7. How do Thomas and the sisters get money to leave the reservation and what do they see as they are leaving?

8. What are Victor and Junior doing while Thomas and Chess are at the hotel?

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

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

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

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Reservation Blues is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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