Bearstone

Why does Cloyd prefer living with his grandmother to living in a group home for Ute school students?

Why does Cloyd want to climb a peak in the San Juan Mountains? Explain how Ute culture and history influence his quest.

Describe two ways in which Rusty symbolizes to Cloyd the oppression that Native Americans have suffered at the hands of white people.

How does a dead bear lead to Cloyd killing Walter’s peach trees? Why does Cloyd regret his action, and what does he do to fix things?

How is Walter’s interest in re-opening his gold mine a symptom of a mental health problem? What does Walter do while at the mine to protect Cloyd from the consequences of his obsession?

When Blueboy stumbles and falls in a bog, what does the horse do that saves Cloyd’s life? What does this tell Cloyd about how horses think that’s in contrast with what Rusty believes about those animals?

Cloyd hates Rusty’s bear hunting, but when Cloyd reports Walter’s injuries to the helicopter pilot at the bear-kill site, Rusty says something to Cloyd that softens Cloyd’s resentment. What does Rusty say, and how does it help Cloyd?

How does Cloyd’s relationship with Walter change him as a person? Give three examples.