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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. In Junior's drawing from Chapter 3: "Revenge Is My Middle Name," he compares the powwow dancer to what animal?

2. Junior says that the only paper route on the reservation is owned by a tribal elder named what, in Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"?

3. What is the name of the Indian girl that Junior describes falling in love with in Chapter 10: "Tears of a Clown"?

4. How is Rowdy's father described in the novel?

5. How much money does Junior's father give him for lunch money when he drops him off at school in Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does Mr. P give to Junior in Chapter 5: "Hope Against Hope"? Why?

2. How does Junior justify Rowdy's reaction to his announcement in Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"?

3. What birth defect does Junior describe having been born with in Chapter 1: "The Black Eye of the Month Club"?

4. How do Junior's parents respond to Junior's decision about school in Chapter 6: "Go Means Go"? What warning do they impart on him?

5. What do Junior's parents initially think when he tells them of his plans in Chapter 6: "Go Means Go"?

6. How does Junior describe his sister in Chapter 4: "Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France"? How does Junior feel about his sister?

7. Why does Junior say he is a member of "The Black Eye of the Month Club"? How does this status affect Junior's actions?

8. What is Penelope's goal with her costume in Chapter 11: "Halloween"? How does this inspire Junior?

9. What exchange takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"? How does Junior feel about this encounter?

10. What action does Junior take toward reconciliation with Rowdy in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the author uses symbolism, metaphor, and character to further illustrate the themes of identity and poverty in Chapter 11: “Halloween.” Consider Junior’s and Penelope’s Halloween costumes. What does each costume represent symbolically to the wearer? How is this relative to the theme of identity? How does Junior “identify” with poverty versus how Penelope identifies with this concept?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of poverty and family in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. How does Junior define “poverty” for the reader? What does “family” mean to Junior in the beginning of the story? How do both of these concepts change meaning for Junior by the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Mary Spirit in the novel. How much older is Mary than Junior? How has Junior described Mary’s behavior after high school in the beginning of the novel? What do you think is indicated by Mary’s behavior? What does Mary symbolize to Junior in the narrative?

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