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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. How do the people of the village bathe in the winter, according to Birle?

2. The fact that the man who has stolen the boat has no beard lets Birle realize that he holds what position in society?

3. What types of people has Birle heard tales about since childhood, which might speculate as to who this mysterious figure might be?

4. What does the Lord tell Birle about the life of a wife of a huntsman?

5. How does Birle feel at the thought of marrying Muir?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways does Birle demonstrate her independence and usefulness to the reader and Orien in Chapter 3?

2. Chapter 2 discusses a brief family background of Birle's. Who is Granda, Gran, Lyss, Da, and Nan and how are they related to Birle?

3. In the beginning of her travels down the river with the Lord, Birle notes differences between him and men that she knows. What are they?

4. What drives Birle to suggest that she travel with the Lord, and what compels him to agree?

5. Why did Birle used to shirk from her inn duties?

6. Joaquim and Corbel are brothers, yet they are vastly different. Briefly describe their differences and mention why Corbel keeps Joaquim around.

7. Why does Birle agree to marry Muir, and how does she feel about the wedding near the end of Chapter 2?

8. Describe the encounter between the dog, the Lord, and Birle. What about Birle's character is expressed through her actions?

9. For a young girl and an Innkeeper's daughter, Birle displays a very independent nature. Give a few examples of how she displays this in Chapter 1.

10. Describe Corbel's initial appearance and his character.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of fear is used throughout the book, especially by Corbel. What is fear and how does it control a man? How does a man control it? How does a man use fear as a means of control? Discuss the ideas of fear and control as separate entities and how they work together. Use examples and characters from the book. Mention the times that Birle has been afraid and analyze why. Was it another person who made her afraid or an outside force? Was her fear justified?

Essay Topic 2

Birle and Orien are two very different people. Compare and contrast not only their lifestyles but also their characters. How these two different people manage to get along? Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Joaquim, Birle's master in the city, is an interesting character. Analyze and discuss his character. Be sure to mention the differences between him and his brother, his interests, his traits, and his loyalty for Birle and Yul. Use examples from the book to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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