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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 scares the voyageurs in the village?

2. What does the man in #76 own and care for?

3. What does the name Andeg mean?

4. What treat does Old Tallow give to Omakayas?

5. The family is __________________ when Deydey is home.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are Omakayas' conflicted feelings about Angeline?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Omakayas do with a wounded crow?

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

10. How do Mama and Nokomis differ in their views of sending Omakayas on a spiritual quest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

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 939 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample