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. When Tom Black Bull grabs the saddle to steady himself on one bronco, he is chewed out for not riding what?

2. When Tom Black Bull realizes he has been betrayed by Blue Elk, what does he fight for?

3. How long following his punishment does Tom Black Bull escape the school?

4. George and Bessie Black Bull are compelled to work where for the white man?

5. What does Tom Black Bull do to relieve his anger when Red Dillon enters him into rodeo bronco riding competitions to cheat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom Black initially dream of while in the hospital?

2. How does Meo, the Mexican ex-bronco twister, take Tom Black Bull under his belt at Red Dillon's spread?

3. How do Red Dillon and Tom Black Bull exercise their con at the Bernalillo rodeo?

4. What causes Tom Black to change his plans again when Woodward collects his sheep for the winter?

5. What are the 'old ways' Bessie Black Bull teaches Tom as they escape Pagosa and flee into Horse Mountain to link up with her husband, George?

6. What happens on the ride home when Red Dillon awakens from his stupor and Tom Black Dillon informs him that he took his money?

7. How do Tom Black Bull and his parents prepare for the winter on Horse Mountain?

8. Bessie Black Bull is concerned in reference to what Jim Thatcher told her at the store about them no longer searching for George. What does she do?

9. Why is the reservation school unsuccessful in teaching Tom Black Bull how to plow fields?

10. Why is it that Tom Black Bull gets by caring for sheep with Albert Left Hand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Early in the book the reader learns the Utes are quite resourceful, and they approach life in a very practical fashion. When the farming methods taught them by the white man fail due to drought, they revert to their 'old ways', which are clearly in concert with nature. Contrast the approach of the white man to life with the 'old ways' handed down to Tom Black Bull by his parents.

Essay Topic 2

When his nurse in New York, Mary Redmond, attempts to pressure herself into his rehabilitation, Tom Black recalls others and the patterns they utilized in trapping him. Elaborate on those used by Blue Elk, Rowena Ellis, Benny Grayback, and Red Dillon. Are they attempting to help him or use him? What about Mary?

Essay Topic 3

Tom Black earned a name for himself riding rodeo. He made good money at times. Explain why it is that Tom will never return to ride in the arena.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,296 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample