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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 Shawnee wake up in the snow?

2. Who is Morris’ sister-in-law?

3. Why does Shawnee hit Apitchi?

4. What food does Morris dream of sharing with Ira?

5. What book does Ira read to Apitchi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Bernard’s family?

2. How does Shawnee feel about Honey?

3. Why does Morris apologize to Ira?

4. Why is Shawnee angry at her mother?

5. Why is Ira worried when she talks to Seraphine?

6. What is John’s attitude towards Ira?

7. Why does Ira kiss Morris?

8. What is Ira’s attitude towards herself?

9. Why is Bernard suspicious of Ira when she arrives?

10. Why are Shawnee and her brother fighting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does craftsmanship symbolize in the novel? How do each of the characters interact with handmade items or the creation of them? What role does this play for them internally, and in the wider society as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the concept of fate vs. free will. Was Old Shaawano’s daughter destined to die so that he could create the ceremonial drum? Was Faye destined to discover it at the Tatro house? Or are these events random? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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