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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 is Old Tallow holding as Omakayas approaches her house?

2. Who is Omakayas?

3. Who does the person in #81 blame for eating the berries?

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

5. With what job does Omakayas think her mother will want her to help?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Who are the other members of Omakayas' family in addition to Nokomis?

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

10. Who are Omakayas and Nokomis and what are they doing as Chapter 1 begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 891 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample