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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 important theme emerges in this chapter?

3. What frightens Omakayas in the night?

4. The young girl in the story is from which Native American tribe?

5. What has killed people in the village?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Omakayas do with a wounded crow?

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

What is the greatest lesson Omakayas learns in the book? Is it true that important lessons are also painful ones? What will Omakayas always recall about her grandmother's stories? What impact did Old Tallow have on Omakayas' life? What would Omakayas consider to be her best decision?

Essay Topic 3

THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE is a classic coming-of-age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

(see the answer keys)

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