The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

MSIP/Homework Activities (Pages 150-end of novel)

Discussion Questions
1. How is the gift that Junior got from his father both ugly and beautiful?
2. Why does Junior begin to appreciate his parents more after attending
school at Reardan?
3. According to Junior, what was his grandmothers best quality? Why does he value this quality so highly?
4. Why is Junior accepted back into tribal society?
5. What does Mrs. Spirits refusal to accept the tribal costume reveal about her character?
6. How did Eugenes death underscore the hopelessness and despair of reservation life? What is Juniors
reaction to this second tragedy?
7. What sparks the protest of Juniors classmates? Why does Junior find this so absurd?
8. What turns Reardans win into a sour experience for Junior?
9. How many funerals has Junior attended? What caused most of the deaths?
9. Why do you think Junior laughed uncontrollably upon hearing of Marys death? How do you explain this
emotional reaction?
10. Why do you think Junior was comforted more by his return to school than he was by the presence of his
extended family at the wake?
11. Why didnt Junior and Rowdy need to keep score when they played one-on-one?

Narrative Devices
- Add to your main character chart (for Arnold) and your minor character web
- conflict activity to complete
- A flashback allows a writer to present past events during current events, in order to provide
background for the current story. By providing information about events that occurred prior to the
present event, the writer gives the reader insight into a character's motivation and or background to a
conflict.
o With this definition in mind, what was the specific purpose of the lengthy flashback in the
chapter Talking about Turtles?

Big Ideas Blog - Pick ONE of the following topics and write a RESPONSE BLOG (comment) to it.
How do you think Juniors list-making helps him heal from grief?
Do you agree with Junior in the power of expectations that if you are expected to do well, you are
more likely to succeed? And conversely, if no one expects you to do well, you are more likely to fail.
Explain you answer using examples from your personal experiences.
Do you think it is possible to love and hate something at the same time? In what ways does Junior both
love and hate the reservation?
COMMENT on at least one of your classmates entries (on a different topic than the one you chose).

Due Date: _________________________________________