View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dixie Lee doing though it's early in the morning?

2. What does Dave do the day that Alafair stays home from school?

3. Where is Alafair staying while Dave is in jail?

4. Who does Dave ask about having some "company" that night in the motel room?

5. What does Dave believe about the person he asks for company?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are Dave's cell mates and why is he placed in this cell?

2. What does Dave do to Vidrine and Mapes and do you think this is appropriate on his part?

3. How does Dave spend his time in jail?

4. What does Dixie Lee do that is perhaps a typical manipulative action of an alcoholic?

5. What is Dave remembering at the end of this chapter and how might that memory influence him to some sort of action?

6. What does Dave read about Dixie Lee a week later?

7. What evidence is there that Purcel is still on the wrong side of the law?

8. What does Dio offer Dave and what is Dave's response? Do you think Dave is right to refuse Dio's aid?

9. What does Dave do to get himself thrown off Dio's property and is this a pattern of Dave's?

10. Who is Nygurski; why does he visit Dave, and what does Dave tell him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dave is treated as an outsider by many of those at the Blackfeet Reservation and by Mrs. Desmarteau. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Dave is treated like an outsider?

2. Do you think most non-reservation people would find it difficult to elicit information on an Indian reservation? Why or why not?

3. Do you think if Dave had been Native American, even if not of the Blackfeet tribe, he would have been treated differently?

4. Why is it that most people view with suspicion those who are different from themselves? What is missed by this attitude? What is gained?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel.

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel.

3. Discuss James Lee Burke's use (or lack ) of literary techniques and how they add or detract from the story and whether he uses too many or too little literary techniques.

Essay Topic 3

Dave is beginning to feel desperate by Chapter 10, thinking he will have to go on the run if he does not prove his innocence. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Dave would be smart to go on the run rather than stand trial if he cannot prove his innocence?

2. Do you think that Dave would have more success as an outlaw than most because of his cop background? Why or why not?

3. Would it be fair to subject Alafair of a life as a fugitive?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,221 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample