View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What wounded creature does Omakayas take pity on and take home with her?

2. Who is Omakayas' father?

3. How is Tallow different from her husband?

4. What is Dagwaging?

5. What food does the family travel to harvest?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the things that the family does to prepare for winter?

2. How is Omakayas able to comfort Neewo when he is upset and in her care?

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

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

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

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

7. Give some examples of Andeg being able to use speech to communicate.

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

9. What startles Mama regarding the bears when she goes looking for Omakayas?

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

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

There are several events of foreshadowing in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 869 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample