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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 Quinel tell Crispin he should do?

2. How does the boy feel about the men's opinions of the steward?

3. What instrument does Bear push Crispin to learn?

4. What does Crispin do for the next two days?

5. Where does the boy run when he is upset about Aycliffe's demand?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Crispin do when he sees a group of men waiting for him?

2. Why does Bear push Crispin to learn what he is teaching?

3. Why can't Bear be hung?

4. Where does Crispin go the night he sees Quinel, who is there and what is he told to do? What is he given?

5. What does Asta's son do the day after he slept in the village, and what does he hear two men say about him?

6. What does Bear tell Crispin about his childhood?

7. Who is the man Crispin has agreed to serve, and what does he do for a living?

8. What do Bear and Crispin see in the distance, and what is at the bridge?

9. What does Crispin decide to do and what happens when he feels too frightened and tired to go on?

10. What does Bear make Crispin do in the morning, how does Crispin feel about it and what does Bear begin to teach Crispin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

"Crispin: The Cross of Lead" belongs to the young adult novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young adult novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 3

Crispin realizes that he would have been caught if it were not for Bear, and is grateful for his help. Later, Bear tells Crispin that if there is ever trouble, he should run away and not think about Bear. He should then head north and try to hide from the men who are chasing him. This shows how much he really does care about Crispin. He does not want Crispin to get hurt, and fears for his safety in Great Wexly. He would not want Crispin to risk himself even to save Bear. He also does not abandon Crispin, despite the fact that Crispin is causing him quite a lot of trouble.

1. Why do you think Bear tells Crispin to run away if there is ever any trouble and to not worry about Bear? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Bear has not abandoned Crispin because he has learned to care for Crispin or because that is a basic part of Bear's nature? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the ways has Bear's life been changed by having Crispin in his life? What about Crispin having Bear in his life? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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