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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. Why does Junior apologize to Rowdy in Chapter 26: "Rowdy and I Have a Serious Discussion about Basketball"?

2. How many songs do Penelope and Junior dance to at the Winter Formal?

3. What does Junior describe as "the very best thing about my grandmother" in Chapter 22: "Red Versus White"?

4. What does Rowdy say he's going to have in every room of his house when he becomes rich and famous in Chapter 30: "Talking About Turtles"?

5. What grade has Junior earned in Geometry in Chapter 28: "My Final Freshman Year Report Card"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Junior describe the contradictions of his identity in Chapter 17: "Dance, Dance, Dance"?

2. What philosophical discussion do Junior and Gordy have regarding race and identity in Chapter 18: "Don't Trust Your Computer"?

3. How has Junior's understanding of and connection with his sister evolved by the end of the novel?

4. How does Penelope discover the truth of Junior's poverty? How does she respond?

5. What is an example of irony employed by the author in Chapter 19: "My Sister Sends Me a Letter"?

6. How does Junior describe his relationship with mortality in comparison with the students at Reardan in Chapter 27: "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniuses"?

7. What communication takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 16: "Rowdy Gives Me Advice About Love"?

8. How does Junior describe his grandmother's wake in Chapter 23: "Wake"? Who attends the wake?

9. Why has the billionaire named Ted come to Grandmother Spirit's wake in Chapter 23: "Wake"?

10. How does Mary describe her circumstances in her letter to Junior in Chapter 19: "My Sister Sends Me a Letter"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of hope in the novel. What does “hope” mean to Junior? What does it mean to his family members and to the other inhabitants of the Reservation? What does hope mean to you? How is this theme developed in the course of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship Junior has with his father in the novel. How has Junior’s relationship with Arnold Sr. evolved from the beginning of the story? Author Sherman Alexie has stated in interviews that some aspects of this novel are autobiographical, including the fact that Alexie’s father was an alcoholic. How did this impact Alexie and his works?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the financing and structure of Native American Reservations. When was the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed and what was its objectives? How does gaming factor into the finances of Native American Reservations today? How many casinos are there and how do they fare financially? How are these realities depicted in the novel?

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