Chapters 21-23
In the chapter “Red Versus White,” Arnold acknowledges the good qualities of his parents. List these good qualities:
The make sacrifices, they worry about him, they talk to him
When Arnold is being interviewed before the basketball game, initially, what is the only word he says on camera?
weird
What happens to Arnold's sister?
She dies in a fire
In the Chapter "Reindeer Games," why does Arnold say, “It was a beautiful and ugly thing” (151)? What does it suggest about his relationship with his father?
Arnold said that because he didn't expect his father to spend the remaining 5$ on him. But he hid in his shoes and the money was wrinkled. It was great but also ugly. It's a complicated relationship and a lot of love.
Name the 2 different types of characterization.
Direct & indirect characterization.
How does Arnold’s grandmother die?
Struck & killed by a drunk driver
What is the Reardan game plan? Is it successful?
The Reardan game plan is that Junior has to guard Rowdy to make sure Rowdy does n't score as much as he normally does . This is successful because Rowdy only gets to score four points .
How does Arnold react to what happens to his sister? Why does he react this way?
He goes out of the school and waits in the freezing cold for his father to pick him. By the time his father arrives, Junior is completely freaked out, worrying that his father got into an accident and died on the way to get him. He laughs hysterically and then falls asleep, wakes up again, and laughs again. He obviously is heartbroken.
Why does Arnold admire his grandmother? Describe how her perspectives are similar or different from other elders on the reservation.
Unlike so many people on the reservation, Grandmother Spirit does not drink. She sees what the effects of alcohol have done to her people. For Junior, she is a great source of advice. Junior is comfortable sharing both his feelings and his fear, knowing grandmother will always point him in the right direction. Junior's favorite thing about his grandmother was her tolerance.... her willingness to travel from one place to the next; her acceptance of everyone no matter their race, religion, or sexual preferences. Grandmother wanted a world of peace. People were people, and she treated everyone the same. She was the best teacher and example Junior would ever have.
How many levels of questioning are there? Define each level.
Level 1- based on fact/found in text
Level 2- interpretive, have to read between the lines
Level 3- real world, human nature questions
After Ted leaves, how do the Indians react?
They laugh
How does Coach help the team build confidence?
The Reardan coach says that they may not have the talent of the Wellpinit team but they do have the heart. He says that Arnold is their secret weapon.
Why does Junior feel responsible for Mary's death?
Junior feels guilty because he believes that Mary left the rez because he left it. If she hadn't left, she wouldn't have died.
Summarize the story of Billionaire Ted. Why do you think Alexie includes this story?
Billionaire Ted says he loves Indians and collects Indian things. He said he has an Indian Pow wow outfit and he comes to return it. Junior's mom says it's not her mom's. Billionaire Ted gets embarrassed. He used this story to show how white people stereotype native Americans. The Native Americans see that the white people see them as the art they love the art but could care less about the people.
What point of view is PTI told in?
First person point of view
What happens to Eugene & Bobby in these chapters?
Bobby shoots Eugene in the face. Bobby takes his own life afterwards
Why is the Chapter Title "Rowdy & I Have a Long, Serious Discussion about Basketball" humorous?
It's humorous and ironic because the talk they have is neither long, nor serious.
How do the students at Reardon show they care?
Junior's teacher criticizes Junior for being so quiet and "absent" in class
• All of the students, one at a time, drop their books on the floor and walk out of the room
• The students are sympathetic to Junior for his losses
In the chapter "In Like a Lion," describe and provide examples of Arnold’s mindset going into the game and what he realizes after the game is over.
Arnold wanted to win. After they won they he felt bad about beating his old team because he knows what it's like to be at that school. He was also scared that Rowdy's dad was going to beat Rowdy for losing to Junior.
Name the 4 lenses through which we can read literature.
Socio-economic, gender/equity, historical, cultural
How do Arnold’s classmates respond when Mrs. Jeremy criticizes Arnold for not being in school?
They slam their textbooks on the floor and walk out of the room.
How does Sherman Alexie build tension & suspense in the game?
The teams are seeded first and second
• Arnold is scoring 12 pt/game, whereas Rowdy is scoring 25 pt/game
• Game will be a home game for Reardan
What is one theme (real life lesson) that the book is teaching us so far?
Resilience is one of the most necessary qualities to get people through difficult times.
Holding in grief rather than processing it often leads to more inner turmoil or coping in unhealthy ways.
How does Rowdy respond differently to the tragedy in the chapter "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniueses" than Arnold's other friends? Provide 2 examples.
Junior doesn’t cry; he either laughs hysterically or becomes hard & bitter towards others, like his discussion in the woods with Rowdy.
Name 3 types of characters, define them, and give an example.
Foil, flat, round, dynamic, static, archetype, stereotype, etc