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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. What is Simon Jack’s last remaining possession?

2. What does Bernard use to clean his father's blood?

3. Which animal has an agreement with wolves?

4. What gift do Anaquot and Ziigwan’aage make together for Simon Jack?

5. Which object does Faye feel a particular connection with?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Faye’s impression of the Tatro house?

2. What was Bernard’s motivation in beating up his father?

3. Why does Faye avoid wearing red when she works?

4. Why do the wolves attack Anaquot and her family?

5. What does Faye remember about her father?

6. How does Old Shaawano find the final element to include in the drum’s construction?

7. How do Anaquot and Ziigwan’aage take revenge against Simon Jack?

8. How does Old Shaawano behave while mourning the loss of his wife and daughter?

9. What is Faye’s relationship with Kendra Krahe?

10. How does the Eykes’ dog finally escape?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the author’s note, Erdrich notes that “As in all of my books, no sacred knowledge is revealed” (277). Why do you think she chose to keep some of these traditional practices hidden? What role does sacred knowledge play in the story?

Essay Topic 2

What does the skeleton of the Eykes’ dog symbolize in Part 4 of the novel? Why did the author choose to include this detail, and how does it emphasize some of the novel’s themes?

Essay Topic 3

What is the driving conflict of the novel? Does the story have a primary antagonist? How does the story balance external and internal conflict?

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