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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. To which mythical creature does Ira compare John?

2. How does Ira know Honey?

3. What is Morris’ nickname?

4. Which cultural belief does Morris quote?

5. What has Apitichi been diagnosed with?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which of Ira’s possessions survives the fire, and why?

2. What happened to Bernard’s family?

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

4. What is John’s attitude towards Ira?

5. Why does Ira kiss Morris?

6. Why is Shawnee angry at her mother?

7. What is Ira’s attitude towards herself?

8. How does Shawnee feel about Honey?

9. Why does Morris apologize to Ira?

10. Why does Morris fall in love with Ira?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the author’s choice to use multiple point of view characters, with some points of view being framed as a story. Why did the author choose to tell the story of the drum this way? How do the multiple points of view contribute to the story’s themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 611 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample