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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. Why is Crispin concerned about their departure?

2. What does Bear tell Crispin to do?

3. What happens as Bear helps Crispin over the wall?

4. Why does Crispin decide he must rescue Bear?

5. What does Crispin promise if Bear and Crispin are allowed to leave?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Crispin get away from Aycliffe?

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

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

7. What does Widow Daventry do when she sees Crispin in the common room and how does Bear feel about her actions?

8. What does Crispin think about when he thinks of Bear, and what does he decide to do?

9. What does Crispin do after he runs from the meeting place, and what happens to him at the tavern?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Crispin has now been given something that he has never had before; a sense of identity. He never even knew his name, or thought much about himself. Now he has been reminded that he did have a father at one point, and has been told his real name. Suddenly Crispin begins to feel like a real person, rather than the nobody that people had always treated him as. He thinks about his new name, finding it strange but also exciting and pleasing. He compares it to trying on a new garment, which is desirable but not yet comfortable. He is happy to have an identity, but it will take some time to get used to it. He will also have to try to learn a little more about who he really is.

1. Discuss why most people consider their name to be important to their identity. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Crispin has always had an identity and a personality even before he knew his name; he simply could not see this or conceive of it. Explain, based on what has been shown of Crispin's society, why this might happen to someone like Crispin. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think knowing his name has made Crispin change in relation to thinking about having a father, when it is obvious that any human born has a father? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

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

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Avi.

2. What in Avi's background may have helped him in writing "Crispin: The Cross of Lead"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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