Montana 1948 Review Sheet

The test will consist of the following sections:

  • Short answer (1-2 sentence answer required)
  • Fill in the blank
  • Quotation identification – you will have to identify the speaker and discuss the importance of the quotation
  • Essay (related to one of the themes we’ve discussed in class).

Make sure you know these characters:

  • David
  • Gail and Wes (parents)
  • Frank and Gloria
  • Len and Daisy McCauley
  • Marie Little Soldier
  • Ronnie Tall Bear
  • Ollie Young Bear
  • Julien and Enid Hayden (grandparents)
  • Dale Paris

Make sure you understand these themes:

  • Power – who has it, who doesn’t – and the abuse of power
  • Family – what it means to be “a Hayden” and the power that comes along with the name (see page 126 for this)
  • Racism/Prejudice
  • Justice
  • The Law -- whom it works for, whom it does not work for

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you can identify speakers – if you can’t remember who said something, take a close look at the quotation and try to figure out based on the quotationwho is the most likely speaker. Don’t make random guesses – be logical and try to come to the answer through a process of elimination.
  • Make sure you know the correct sequence of events -- what happens when and who does what. This will be especially important for the short answer and fill in the blank sections.
  • Make sure you know all the characters in the novel
  • Your quizzes should be a good indication of how you’ll do on some of the more concrete (factual) sections of the test – take a look at the quizzes to see what you had trouble with; work on these areas as you study.
  • Make sure you understand the themes and how they relate to what happens in the book. You’re going to have to make connections and think abstractly when answering some of the questions on the test – the essay in particular, though not exclusively!
  • Make sure you always discuss the importance of an event or quotation. Simply saying “this is an important” isn’t enough – you have to go into the WHY in order to receive full credit.
  • Use your folder entries as study guides – look at the things I’ve asked you to do in each entry and look at your responses; these will help you see the important themes and events in the novel.
  • Study hard and come in to class on Wednesday (review day) with any questions you have. Good luck!