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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. By the end of the prologue, the MacDonalds have how many children?

2. Why is Esther so angry with her husband over his attitude toward Ben?

3. What is the name of the new neighbor Ben's father wants him to meet?

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

5. Where does Burton decide to set his trap after the male badger's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter Five, Burton tells a story of a fight Lobo had when he was a puppy. Describe the fight.

2. What does Esther suggest in Chapter One as the real reason Ben acts as though he is afraid of his father?

3. Describe Ben's behavior when the family goes inside to dinner and he is left alone with the dead badger's body.

4. What reasons does the author give in Chapter Three for why Ben wishes to become a bird?

5. According to the townspeople of Winnipeg, why does Burton take his dog, Lobo, with him wherever he goes?

6. 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?

7. During dinner in Chapter Five, who does Burton tell John carries badger fangs?

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

9. Why does Burton wish to trap on the MacDonald's land?

10. Why does William hit Ben when Ben tries to stop him from skinning the badger?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of George Burton and Ben MacDonald. Are they good versus evil? Or something else? In what ways are their motivations alike and different? Do they have anything in common at all?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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