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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. Which of the following statements does not describe the bomber in "Can I Get a Witness?"

2. How many times does the baby die and get resuscitated?

3. How old is Corliss in "The Search Engine"?

4. Which of the following statements does not describe what Corliss learns about Harlan Atwater when she finally meets him face to face?

5. What kind of store does the man in "Do Not Go Gentle" mistakenly visit instead of a toy store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the antagonist in "Lawyer's League" and what helps identify that character as the villain/villainess?

2. Explain how overhearing the other fathers in the hospital bathroom motivates the father in "Do Not Go Gentle."

3. What does Richard think most Native American politicians are like?

4. Discuss the touches of humor in "Can I Get a Witness?"

5. What is Richard's relationship with Teresa and how does it compare with what he wishes it was?

6. How does Richard in "Lawyer's League" describe himself?

7. What do Corliss's apartment and the way it is furnished indicate about Corliss?

8. How does Corliss think white people feel about Indians?

9. What unconventional thoughts does the woman in "Can I Get a Witness" have about the victims of September 11th?

10. What does the opening scene of "The Search Engine" in which Corliss watches the young couple in the student union cafe foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the humor in "Can I Get a Witness?", "Do Not Go Gentle," "What Ever Happened to Frank Snake Church?", or "The Life and Times of Estelle Walks Above." Give at least three examples of humor from your chosen story and discuss what you think Sherman Alexie is trying to convey or achieve through his use of humor.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the post-September 11th worlds of "Can I Get a Witness?" and "Flight Patterns." What is Alexie saying about September 11th and its effect on American lives in these stories? What is Alexie saying about September 11th and its effect on Native American lives in these stories? Cite examples from the text to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss symbolism and metaphor in Ten Little Indians. Give three examples of symbolism in the short stories in this collection and discuss what the symbols are used to convey.

(see the answer keys)

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