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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. For whom does Omakayas make winter moccasins?

2. Whose memory does Omakayas decide to honor?

3. What does Ten Snow make for her husband that gets a lot of praise?

4. What disease does the intruder have?

5. What color beads does Ten Snow use on the item for her husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Omakayas witness as she comes to after being knocked unconscious by Tallow's dog?

2. Explain how Deydey acts on a dream that Nokomis has about One Horn.

3. How does Ten Snow help Omakayas get started in beadwork and what does Omakayas make?

4. Which two characters die as a result of the smallpox outbreak?

5. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

6. What does Nokomis tell Omakayas about the voices they hear and about what Omakayas' path in life is going to be?

7. What happens to Omakayas after the smallpox deaths, and who is the one who is able to help her?

8. How does the author explore the relationship between whites and natives in this section?

9. What does the mention of the cold weather being sudden and particularly harsh foreshadow?

10. What is Omakayas' experience with the bear cubs when she is off on her own?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Omakayas. 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 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of responsibility. Identify at least two instances about responsibility in the book and then cite examples to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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