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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. In Chapter Three, how does the hawk react when Ben tries to watch it eat?

2. How far away from the female's den has Burton laid the trap intended to catch her?

3. As Chapter Three opens, what has prompted the string of visitors to the MacDonald farm?

4. How long ago did the MacDonalds come to the region to settle their farm?

5. Where does the female badger frequently hunt while her babies are nursing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ben so happy at dinner at the end of Chapter Three?

2. Describe the den the badger creates for herself and her litter.

3. What reasons does William give Esther for why he agreed to let Burton run traps on their land?

4. Describe the difference between William and Esther's opinions of Ben's development in Chapter Two.

5. One of the pups is still alive when the female badger finally escapes the trap and returns to her den. Why does the last pup die?

6. Describe Mr. Burton's appearance as discussed in Chapter One.

7. Describe how the female badger hunts prairie dogs, and what problem she might encounter in the process.

8. Why was the male badger unable to detect the danger of the trap?

9. Describe how the female badger escapes from the trap in Chapter Six.

10. Explain why the female badger did not run after her meeting with Ben.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does the author present a realistic view of pioneer life, or is his version idealized to the point of being unbelievable? Include research to support your claim.

Essay Topic 2

How much of a role does imagery play in the novel? The author spends a lot of time describing nature; would the novel be as effective without these descriptions? Why or why not? Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Based on his treatment of each group in the novel, does the author prefer humans or animals? What evidence supports your theory? Which group does the author spend more time describing, and why?

(see the answer keys)

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