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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Widow Deventry have Crispin do?

2. Who has recently died?

3. Where does Crispin find John Ball?

4. What does Aycliffe agree to swear?

5. What does Crispin see as he opens the window in his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Crispin spy on Bear and what does he hear?

2. Where do Crispin and Bear stay, what does Bear tell Crispin to do when he leaves and what does Crispin do?

3. What is Bear's opinion on rebellion and what is John Ball's opinion on it?

4. How does Crispin get into the palace, and what does he take when he first arrives there?

5. What do Crispin and Bear do as they travel towards Great Wexly, what does Bear offer and what is Crispin's feelings about the offer?

6. What do Aycliffe and Crispin swear to each other?

7. How does Crispin run into Aycliffe in Great Wexley,and what happens when he does see him?

8. How does Crispin get to the White Stag Inn?

9. Why does Crispin follow Bear to a meeting, and what does he hear as he listens outside the door?

10. How does Aycliffe get killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Crispin: The Cross of Lead". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Avi chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Avi chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Avi's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Avi use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Crispin finds it very hard to cope with his situation. As he grows more tired and hungry, he begins to lose hope. He even begins to wish that he was dead, thinking that his suffering would be over and he could see his mother again. When he sees the dead man on the gallows, however, his mind is instantly changed. He comes face to face with the horror of death and realizes how much he actually wants to be alive. He realizes that his feelings were brought on by deep sadness and fear, and that he does not really want to die at all.

1. Why do you think Crispin might wish to be dead in his situation? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think someone who sees death, either in a friend or in a close brush with death is more likely to appreciate living than someone who has not confronted mortality? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Peasants in that era and location lived fairly brutal, short and difficult lives yet still continued living and having children even knowing what kind of life their children faced. Discuss why you think humans in this situation do this. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Bear is hard and unfriendly, but in some ways is also a little like Crispin. He is traveling, without any real home, and seems to have no friends or family. He does not seem to be loved by anyone or have anyone to love or care for. Like Crispin, he is completely alone. Like Crispin, he also learned quickly that other people will not be kind to him. He deals with this by hardening himself and treating everyone gruffly. He does not trust anyone, and tells Crispin so. This is why he is so rude to Crispin.

1. Why do you think Bear's life may have contributed to making him hard and unfriendly? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What do you think are some of the emotional effects of being and feeling alone in the world for a human? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the reasons a person may have learned not to trust others? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

4. How do you think a lack of trust in others can affect a person's life? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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