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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 Crispin decide to do after Bear leaves?

2. What does the Widow Deventry have Crispin do?

3. What does Aycliffe decide to do?

4. Where does Crispin want to go?

5. About what is Bear pleased when he sees Crispin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Crispin see downstairs when he comes out of his hiding place, and what does Daventry tell him?

2. What does Crispin tell Bear as they leave the village and what is Bear's response?

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

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

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

6. What does the Widow Daventry tell Crispin about who he is and why Aycliffe is after him?

7. How do Bear and Crispin get out of the palace?

8. 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?

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

10. How does Aycliffe get killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this story, questions that Avi most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Avi's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Avi's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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