PTI: 117-In Like a Lion (196)

Read the following sentences from the novel: “It was Euripides, this Greek writer from the fifth century BC . . . In one of his plays, Medea says, ‘What greater grief than the loss of one’s native land?’. . .I mean, the thing is, Medea was so distraught by the world, and felt so betrayed, that she murdered her own kids.” What does the allusion in this sentence help Junior realize about his grief?

• That his family’s grief will never improve because they live on the reservation
• That grief has been a societal issue for thousands of years and it won’t go away
• That Indians only know how to grieve because of all that has happened to them
• That grief is a good enough reason to give up and drop out of high school forever.

What made Junior an average basketball player at Wellpinit and a good player at Reardan?

• Junior has more confidence in himself at Reardan that at Wellpinit
• The practices at Reardan are more grueling than those at Wellpinit
• The coach at Reardan likes Junior more than the coach at Wellpinit
• Junior’s teammates at Reardan are not as good as those at Wellpinit

Which statement best summarizes Junior’s internal conflict as Reardan prepares to face Wellpinit for a second game?

• Junior feels he needs to prove something to himself, to Reardan, and to Wellpinit
• Junior wants to win, but is afraid of what might happen to him on the rez if he does
• Junior doesn’t want to face Rowdy because of what happened in the previous game
• Junior is constantly vomiting before every game and is afraid he won’t be able to play.

What is Grandmother’s plea before she dies?

• She asks Junior’s father to stop drinking
• She asks the family to forgive the drunk driver
• She asks Junior to return to the reservation school
• She asks the family to bring Mary home from Montana

What is ironic about Grandmother’s death?

• She was killed by a drunk driver, although she was drunk herself
• She was almost eighty years old and was planning on retirement
• She was killed by a drunk driver, although she never drank alcohol
• She was very tolerant and accepting of all individuals from all races

Which statement best illustrates the motivation of Billionaire Ted to attend Grandmother’s wake?

• He loves Indians even though he is just a white man
• He wanted to boast about his Indian artifact collection
• He feels guilty about owning a stolen powwow dance outfit
• He knew and respected Grandmother for several years ago