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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 occurs to Ben when he awakens after his first night in the badger den?

2. What area does everyone think is most likely for Ben to have chosen and disappeared in Chapter Eleven?

3. As Chapter Eight opens, which of the following is NOT a reason Ben is having trouble sleeping?

4. What part of Ben's story does his family find it difficult to believe after his return?

5. As Chapter Eleven opens, how long has Ben been missing when a memorial service is held for him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do both William and Ben believe they are responsible for William hitting Ben during the badger skinning?

2. Describe the process by which Ben cleans the badger's injured paw.

3. Why does the search team from North Corners not turn up any sign of Ben in the two days they spend looking?

4. Describe how Ben gets clean after his first night in the badger den.

5. Describe why the MacDonald family finally accepts Ben's story as complete truth.

6. Why does Ben go to such lengths to hide Lobo's body after the badger kills him?

7. Why is Ben afraid of the badger when she returns to her den and finds him there?

8. Describe the condition of the MacDonalds in the weeks after Ben's disappearance.

9. What are William's thoughts when Ben asks if the badger will live?

10. In Chapter Eight, does the badger intend to bring the prairie chicken for Ben or does he essentially steal it from her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Ben is fascinated by birds: hawks, kingfishers, finches, hens. Why is Ben so interested in birds? What conclusions can the reader draw as to Ben's envy of these animals? What do birds have that Ben wishes he had?

Essay Topic 2

The author frequently foreshadows events to come in the novel by discussing some particular point in detail that seems somewhat irrelevant at the time. Cite three examples of foreshadowing in the book and explain why the author chose to foreshadow these events.

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.

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