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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. In addition to warmth, why does Bessie Black Bull give her son a red blanket?

2. What is George Bull's demeanor when he arrives at the house following the fight?

3. Tom Black Bull emerges a new man after purchasing new clothing and going to the barber, and draws the attention of whom?

4. Having begun to reevaluate his life, Tom Black Bull returns to the hotel and refuses to comply with orders to do what?

5. What does Jim Thatcher tell Bessie Black Bull regarding Blue Elk following her encounter with the Indian women who initially tease her?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What transpires the day after Tom Black Bull spies the gold prospector by the stream?

3. What happens when Tom Black Bull is locked in his room at the school and he begins to chant?

4. What is Tom Black doing in preparation to ride rodeo again?

5. Who is Tom Black reminded of by Mary Redmond attempting to pressure her way into his convalescence?

6. In Chapter 28, what is it that the reader learns has changed for Red Dillon and Tom Black Bull upon going back to Colorado?

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

8. What transpires during Tom Black Bull's discussion with the doctor following Meo's passing?

9. What happens when Tom Black Bull encounters his bear cub the next spring at the reservation school boundaries?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a distinct contrast between the life Tom Black Bull knew on Bald Mountain and his life that unfolds juxtaposed on the rodeo circuit. Compare and contrast the two lifestyles. Why does Tom pursue the rodeo when he is more content with the 'old ways' on the mountain?

Essay Topic 2

The first horse Tom Black Bull rode to death was in his initial rodeo in Aztec. The last was in Madison Square Garden. What is Tom's violence directed against? Why does he take his violence out on the horses? What does Red Dillon represent? What does Tom become more like as he gives in progressively to his violence?

Essay Topic 3

Are all those whom Tom Black Bull encounters intent on using him by compelling him to adapt to the white way? How does Jim Thatcher affect Tom's life? What about other individuals?

(see the answer keys)

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