The book follows Black Elk as he discovers his sacred duty in life: to help the Lakota regain their former power. What moments of crisis occur to Black Elk along his journey? How does Black Elk respond to these crises?

What does the circle represent in Lakota religious beliefs? How does the circle impact the structure of Lakota society?  

Throughout the book, Black Elk and several other characters are faced with moments of intense fear. Choose three characters, and compare their relation to fear. Do they overcome it, or do they succumb to it?