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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. The physical obstacle between Nector and Marie arises from:

2. Nector's experiences with women have:

3. Sister Leopolda's actions characterize her as:

4. Why is Albertine angry at Lipsha when she tries to break up King and Lynette's fight?

5. What does Leopolda's big key open?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Lipsha's fondness for "deuces wild" in poker.

2. Describe Nector and Lulu's relationship.

3. What does Lipsha decide about death in the chapter?

4. Consider the chapter title "The Bridge." Explain the meaning you derive from this title.

5. What is ironic about the day of June's death, the Saturday before Easter?

6. What part do the geese play in Nector's meeting with Marie?

7. Describe the character of Sister Mary Martin de Porres.

8. Explain the symbol of the red convertible.

9. How does Erdrich describe Gordie's limited perception of reality (caused by his drunkenness)?

10. Describe Leopolda now that she is old and dying.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Erdrich describes many vehicles throughout the novel, often using them to define characters or lifestyles. Choose 3 characters whose vehicles are described in Love Medicine, and explore their representation of characters of events. What ideas does Erdrich reveal through the vehicles her characters own or drive?

Essay Topic 2

Considering the saying "You can't go home again," choose any character from Love Medicine and examine their journey. Either agree, disagree, or qualify the aforementioned statement in a thoughtful, thorough essay, using your chosen character and events from their lives as examples.

Essay Topic 3

Richard R. Grant said, "The value of identity of course is that so often with it comes purpose." Choose three characters from the novel whose identity is revealed through purpose and write an essay in which you defend, refute, or qualify Grant's statement.

(see the answer keys)

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