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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. The Indian children did not have immunity to ______________________.

2. How did Gertrude travel to the boarding school?

3. At the boarding school, there were cruel and unusual punishments such as whippings and ____________________.

4. What was the name of the boarding school?

5. What did the cutting of Gertrude's braids symbolize?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Gertrude Bonnin get her name, and what would she change it to later in her life?

2. What sorts of punishment were handed out to the Indian children at the boarding school and how did Gertrude get revenge one day?

3. What two tragic events occurred for Indian people in December of 1890?

4. Explain how the physical abuse of the Indian children was the beginning of Gertrude's rebellious nature and the beginning of her life as Zitkala-Sa.

5. What was Red Apple Country and what lies did the white men tell Gertrude about it?

6. Explain the symbolism in the story of Prairie Flower and Cloud Elk.

7. How was Gertrude able to attend college in Indiana?

8. Why did Gertrude experience an identity crisis in her pre-teen years?

9. Was Gertrude conflicted while experiencing an identity crisis as a girl?

10. What were some of the shocking experiences of Gertrude and the other children on the first day of school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is said that a writer writes what he knows and an artist creates what he knows. What does this statement mean? Did Zitkala-Sa create what she knew? Give three examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Rappaport was a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of man's inhumanity to man is an important one in the book. Describe how it extends through setting, subjects, technique, etc. and provide examples for each.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 910 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample