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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. How does Ayla believe she has made the right decision about learning to hunt?

2. Why does Ayla take Uba to Oga for nursing?

3. What does Ayla bring back to the cave?

4. After Broud beats Ayla, what does Brun threaten?

5. What does Droog give Ayla?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes the girl to run after the earthquake?

2. How is Creb convinced that Ayla belongs with the clan now?

3. How does Iza comfort Ayla when she gets upset after looking in the pool?

4. What is the problem with Ayla forcing Brun to accept her child?

5. What does the girl do during the earthquake?

6. What does Creb realize when he learns of Ayla's crime?

7. What leads the clan to find the girl?

8. Why does Ayla ask to be cursed if Brun refuses to accept the baby?

9. How does the clan feel about Ayla staring as she learns the language?

10. How do the women treat Ayla after she returns?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Deformity is a recurrent motif in the novel.

Part 1) Explain the clan's tradition regarding deformity. Does this tradition serve a practical purpose? If so, what it is?

Part 2) What is the difference between the deformity in the stillborn baby Uba delivers and Durc?

Part 3) Is the clan able to distinguish a difference between the two? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Ebra gives Ayla the first handful of fish eggs. Aga prepares a special dish for Ayla at the feast. Later, Droog gives Ayla some tools, along with the news of the upcoming mammoth hunt, hinting that Ayla may be allowed to go on the trip. Write an essay comparing and contrasting these three actions. How does each action show honor and respect for Ayla? How does Ayla respond to the actions? Which honor is most important to her? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about three traditions or beliefs of the clan (e.g., bringing animals back to the cave, touching a weapon, non-acceptance of deformed babies, etc.). What purpose do these traditions or beliefs serve in the framework of the clan's culture? How does Ayla have difficulty conforming to these traditions or beliefs?

(see the answer keys)

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