The Round House by Louise Erdrich
- 1. The Round House by Louise Erdrich is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the complexities of identity, family, and the impact of crime on a tight-knit Native American community in North Dakota. Set in the early 1980s, the story follows thirteen-year-old Joe Coutts, whose life is turned upside down when his mother, Geraldine, becomes a victim of a brutal assault. As Joe navigates the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, he embarks on a quest for justice, struggling to protect his family and his cultural heritage. The novel intricately weaves together themes of racial tension, the legal system's inadequacies regarding tribal law, and the sacred nature of the land symbolized by the titular Round House. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, Erdrich illuminates the heart of a community grappling with trauma, resilience, and the quest for healing, ultimately revealing how love and courage can emerge from the darkness of violence and despair.
Who is the protagonist of 'The Round House'?
A) Basil
B) Grandpa
C) Lindsey Coutts
D) Joe Coutts
- 2. What is Joe's father's profession?
A) Lawyer
B) Judge
C) Teacher
D) Police officer
- 3. What does Joe seek to find throughout the novel?
A) A family secret
B) The identity of his mother's attacker
C) Treasure
D) His lost dog
- 4. What does the Round House represent in the story?
A) A place of healing and justice
B) An ancient ruin
C) A family home
D) A prison
- 5. What role does Joe's friendship with his classmates play?
A) Rivalry and competition
B) Support and camaraderie
C) Betrayal and distrust
D) Isolation and loneliness
- 6. How is the theme of cultural identity explored?
A) Through the characters' connections to their heritage
B) By ignoring cultural context
C) By focusing on urban life
D) Through Western perspectives only
- 7. What type of narrative style is used in the novel?
A) First-person
B) Second-person
C) Third-person omniscient
D) Stream of consciousness
- 8. What does Joe learn about justice throughout the novel?
A) It's a black and white issue
B) It's complex and often flawed
C) It's irrelevant
D) It's always served
- 9. How does the novel address the theme of family?
A) By showing families in turmoil only
B) By excluding family dynamics
C) Through Joe's relationships and struggles
D) By portraying families as perfect
- 10. What is a significant location in the novel?
A) The town hall
B) The school
C) The Round House
D) The church
- 11. What crime is Joe's mother a victim of?
A) Assault
B) Rape
C) Theft
D) Robbery
- 12. What year does the story take place?
A) 2001
B) 1970
C) 1988
D) 1995
- 13. Who informs Joe about his mother's trauma?
A) Rita
B) Bazil
C) The police
D) Gilbert
- 14. What is the relationship between Joe and his mother?
A) Nonexistent
B) Conflicted
C) Distant
D) Close
- 15. What form of literature is 'The Round House' classified as?
A) Short story
B) Biography
C) Poetry
D) Novel
- 16. Who is the antagonist of the novel?
A) A rival family
B) The judge
C) The police chief
D) The rapist
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