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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 frightens Omakayas in the night?

2. What is the translation of Omakayas' name?

3. Who does Deydey say has ripped his shirt?

4. What important theme emerges in this chapter?

5. Who do the voyageurs find alive in the village?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What are some of the themes in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE?

10. What are Omakayas' conflicted feelings about Angeline?

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

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

Spirituality takes on an almost human persona in this book. What role does spirituality play in the lives of the characters? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

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