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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the bear cub that Tom Black Bull takes care of represent?
(a) Tom's communion with the wilderness.
(b) Tom's 'old way' spirit.
(c) Tom's communion with nature.
(d) Tom's communion with his parents' spirits.

2. Who is called to interpret for Tom Black Bull because he speaks only Ute?
(a) Albert Left Hand.
(b) Blue Elk.
(c) Charles Huckleberry.
(d) Benny Grayback.

3. Why do Tom Black Bull and his teacher bother to make the four-day ride just for the rodeo at Bernalillo?
(a) Tom stands a better chance of winning, as the rodeo is very small.
(b) For the experience of riding Mexican horses.
(c) The rodeo there pays more than at other places.
(d) So they will not be recognized and can pull a con.

4. What is Blue Elk impressed to learn about Tom Black Bull?
(a) He has lived alone in the 'old ways' for two years.
(b) He knows how to sing in the 'old ways' alone.
(c) He brings the 'old way' out of Blue Elk by singing.
(d) He knows the 'old ways' have no end.

5. What do Bessie and Tom Black Bull gather willow shoots and other plants for?
(a) Winter fires.
(b) Lodge insulation.
(c) Winter basketry.
(d) Lodge mats.

Short Answer Questions

1. Blue Elk talks Tom Black Bull into doing what with the bear cub?

2. How long following his punishment does Tom Black Bull escape the school?

3. When Bessie Black Bull goes back to town a third time, what does she trade with Indian women in exchange for information about Blue Elk?

4. Twisted in spirit by first learning as a boy, then in young adulthood trying to kill memories and old influences, what happens to Tom?

5. Who does Tom Black Bull share a room with in the dormitory?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Black Bull family face the opening crisis situation in the first chapter?

2. What happens on the ride home when Red Dillon awakens from his stupor and Tom Black Dillon informs him that he took his money?

3. Why is Tom Black unable to shoot the bear after waiting all night?

4. Why do Mary Redmond and Tom Black run opposed to each other?

5. What does the introductory poem to "When the Legends Die" summarize?

6. What are the 'old ways' Bessie Black Bull teaches Tom as they escape Pagosa and flee into Horse Mountain to link up with her husband, George?

7. Why is the reservation school unsuccessful in teaching Tom Black Bull how to plow fields?

8. What is printed about Tom Black in the newspaper when he rides in Madison Square Garden?

9. What compels Tom Black back to Horse Mountain?

10. What transpires when Tom Black Bull makes the escape from the agency school to his lodge on the mountain in October?

(see the answer keys)

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