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 does Omakayas do when Neewo cries hysterically?

2. What does Andeg tell Pinch to stop doing?

3. How many people do the voyageurs find alive in a village one day?

4. What does Omakayas experience before the arrival of a special insight?

5. What does Omakayas become convinced about regarding the bear?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does the dizzy spell signify for Omakayas?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Create a brief character study of Old Tallow. 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,143 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample