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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. How many siblings does Bernard have?

2. What is the tree stump where Old Shaawano makes offerings of tobacco?

3. What does Faye have for dinner at the restaurant?

4. What is the Eykes’ dog’s distinctive feature?

5. Who does Bernard regret not asking out on a date?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Old Shaawano choose his particular symbols to paint on the drum?

2. How does Anaquot learn she is in danger at Simon Jack’s house?

3. What was Bernard’s motivation in beating up his father?

4. How does Albert learn about Old Shaawano’s plan to make a drum?

5. What happens to the Eyke family car?

6. How does the Eykes’ dog finally escape?

7. What does Faye remember about her father?

8. How does Kendra die?

9. What is Kurt Krahe’s artistic medium?

10. What does Bernard’s elderly companion learn from visiting with wolves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the author’s note, Erdrich notes that “As in all of my books, no sacred knowledge is revealed” (277). Why do you think she chose to keep some of these traditional practices hidden? What role does sacred knowledge play in the story?

Essay Topic 2

When Kurt’s artwork is vandalized, Faye comments that “the act of vandalism frees the two of us” (272). Why did she find an act of destruction freeing? What does their attitude show about Kurt’s relationship with his art?

Essay Topic 3

What role does survivor’s guilt play in the novel? How do different characters handle their survivor’s guilt in different ways? Do they ultimately overcome this guilt, or learn to live with it?

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This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample