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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. What frightens Omakayas on her way home?

3. Who is Omakayas' younger brother?

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

5. What does Mama throw at Andeg when she is angry about the berries?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Omakayas do with a wounded crow?

3. What is the premise of THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE?

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

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

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

7. Why does Omakayas suggest that Angeline go to the river instead of working on the moose hide?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the close connection between the Ojibwa family and the nature surrounding it. Why were elements of nature particularly important for the Ojibwa family? How does the author show the strong connection between the Ojibwa family and nature? Provide two examples to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of the smallpox epidemic that infiltrates the village. What does it represent for the Ojibwa Indians? What does the smallpox really represent in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 954 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample