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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tom Black Bull feel about his first ride in the big time?

2. Tom Black Bull spends much time thinking as he recovers, then decides to what?

3. In Tom Black's first dream the bear represents his 'old ways' spirit, while the bronco represents what?

4. Where does Tom Black ride his gentle horse?

5. By the last chapter, Tom Black's name has changed to what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 42, Tom accepts a simple job of shepherding when he comes back to Pagosa to recover. When he is alone with the sheep, what is he surprised by? What are the memories that flood back? How does he adjust to the simple life as he recuperates and makes plans to return to the rodeo?

Essay Topic 2

The bear in this story represents Tom Black Bull and his boyhood. This is his foundation, his connection with the 'old ways'. Explain how In the end, his arduous trek to find and kill his bear leads Tom to his reparation and purification of the evil individual he has become.

Essay Topic 3

Tom Black Bull has a difficult time making the transition into the white man's way at the reservation school. They attempt to turn Tom into a farmer by teaching him plowing skills. Why is this unsuccessful? What is Tom's view of the usefulness of plowing and planting skills?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 363 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample