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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. The family is __________________ when Deydey is home.

2. Who is the baby in Omakayas' family?

3. What important theme emerges in this chapter?

4. What name does Omakayas call Old Tallow?

5. What is Deydey especially pleased with when he comes home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are Omakayas and Nokomis and what are they doing as Chapter 1 begins?

2. Why is Omakayas' relationship with Tallow such an important one?

3. What is the premise of THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE?

4. Who is Andeg, and what is his part in the family?

5. How does Tallow represent an important theme in the book?

6. How is life different for the family when Deydey is home?

7. What does Omakayas do with a wounded crow?

8. What are Omakayas' conflicted feelings about Angeline?

9. What is the major concern of the voyageurs when they see the child?

10. What does Nokomis do to the tree prior to cutting the bark?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

Essay Topic 2

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Mama. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

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