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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. Which of the following would be the best alternate title for Chapter 3?

2. In the early chapters of the book, what kind of education is Little Tree receiving from his grandparents?

3. Who does Granpa ask about the law that made him angry?

4. What do Little Tree's grandparents reveal about the Cherokee style of passing on information and lessons from one generation to the other?

5. Which of the following is the best alternate title for Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author describe the Cherokee response to their oppression along the Trail of Tears?

2. In Chapter 3, how does Granpa explain George Washington's decision to introduce a tax on whiskey? How does Granpa justify this belief?

3. How does the beginning of Chapter 10 contrast with the ending of the incident in which Little Tree protects the whiskey still from the outsiders?

4. What important facts does the author provide about Little Tree when he is introduced to the reader?

5. According to Granma, how does the spirit-mind relate to understanding of death and nature in secret places?

6. Why is the trail called the "Trail of Tears" and how does the author challenge some traditional beliefs about what happened there?

7. What does the introduction of Pine Billy add to the story?

8. What is "The Way" and why does it play a critical role in Little Tree's education?

9. How is Granpa's approach to his trade different from that of some whiskey traders to whom he objects?

10. How do Granpa and Granma ensure that there is a balance in Little Tree's education?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The controversy surrounding the authorship of the novel has led to the view that it is not a suitable book for teaching about the lives of American Indians. Discuss the dangers and merits involved in using this novel to teach the young about the lives and beliefs of American Indians and suggest methods that should be used to avert such dangers.

Essay Topic 2

Forrest Carter makes significant use of symbolism in the novel. Using specific examples of different types of symbols, write a detailed analysis of the author's use of symbolism throughout the novel. Where is it seen? How effectively is it used?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout this novel, there is a constant preoccupation with the theme of man in relationship to nature. Using specific examples, discuss Forrest Carter's exploration of the theme of "man in relationship to nature" in this novel and explain with justification the extent to which this exploration is meant to be a lesson to the reader.

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