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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, despite being seriously wounded, is going to survive?

2. What is the name of Billy's wife?

3. Where is Hood's primary residence?

4. What word best describes Hood's mood?

5. What is the name of Liss' mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. Examine the scene in which Bluebird is killed.

2. Discuss the scene between Davenport, Lily and Hart regarding the photos acquired at the Tribune.

3. In the beginning of the story, Sioux Indians go on a killing spree with the hopes of capturing an enemy. Discuss the plan.

4. What is Davenport's first step when instructed to use his contacts to gain information?

5. How does Davenport force Liss to give up names of the people involved?

6. How is Hood's address discovered? What do Lily and Davenport do when they get information about Hood's whereabouts?

7. What is the situation at Hood's house?

8. Who is Ray Cuervo? What is the man's business?

9. Shadow Love spends time reflecting on his past. What is Shadow Love Thinking about?

10. What is the subject of the argument between Lily and Davenport?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main issue in the story is the political and personal war between the Sioux and the government. Discuss this long time issue. Why are Shadow Love, the Crows and others so angry with the whites? What issue is the biggest between the groups? How does the government deal with the situation? What caused the problem in the first place? What was the first action taken by the Sioux? When did it occur? How does knowledge of the Sioux culture help the reader to better understand the tribe's position? What could have been done differently by either side to prevent the murders and other violent actions? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Backstories are important as they fill in the gaps of characters' lives that may not have been addressed elsewhere. This is seen clearly in the backstories of the Crows, Shadow Love, and Davenport. Explain how Sandford uses the technique. When is the appropriate time for a backstory? Does the backstory always resolve unanswered questions? Where might Sandford use it in reference to other characters or situations? Give at least three examples and explain in detail. Also discuss the most important factor in each character's backstory.

Essay Topic 3

Write a short memoir that might have been written by Shadow Love or one of the Crows. What types of things would the character be most proud of in his life? Do you think the high points would be related to heritage or protection of the culture? Would the memoir include details of his relationships with his traitors and victims? How might the character describe how he felt before, during and after each murder?

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