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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. What does Shawnee dream of when the fire starts?

3. What does Morris receive from the church?

4. What is Morris’ nickname?

5. Who gave Morris his Ojibwe name?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Shawnee and her brother fighting?

2. Why is Shawnee angry at her mother?

3. How does Shawnee feel about Honey?

4. Why does Ira kiss Morris?

5. What causes the fire at Ira’s house?

6. What is Ira’s attitude towards herself?

7. Why does Ira want to ride with John instead of Morris?

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

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

10. Why does Morris apologize to Ira?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the skeleton of the Eykes’ dog symbolize in Part 4 of the novel? Why did the author choose to include this detail, and how does it emphasize some of the novel’s themes?

Essay Topic 2

How does the novel portray intergenerational trauma? To what extent are the characters driven by the experiences of their parents, grandparents, and ancestors?

Essay Topic 3

How does the painted drum ultimately bring Bernard’s community back together? What did its loss symbolize to the people, and what have they gained through its restoration? Why do you think it needed to be returned before the community could fully reconnect?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 599 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample