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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 will be used to build a house for the family?

2. How old is Omakayas in Part 2, Chapter 1?

3. Who is Omakayas' younger brother?

4. What does Omakayas throw at the animals on her way home?

5. What does Andeg say about Mama after she has been angry at him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about Omakayas' encounter with the bears?

2. Who is Old Tallow and what is she holding when Omakayas arrives at her home?

3. How does Omakayas feel about her father's gift, and how does she act about it?

4. Describe what happens when Pinch eats too many berries and then blames it on Andeg.

5. What do the voyageurs do with the baby and what thoughts of guilt does Hat have?

6. What are some of the themes in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE?

7. Who are Albert La Pautre and Fishtail, and what important topic do they discuss with Deydey?

8. Describe Omakayas' encounter with the two bear cubs and their mother.

9. What is the metaphor of smallpox throughout the story?

10. Who does the group of voyageurs discover on a small island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of pride. Identify at least two instances about pride in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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