The Birchbark House: Review Chapter 1-4 Neebin (Summer) (QUIZLET)
The Baby Girl on the Island
Discovery of the Baby
The only person left alive on the island was a baby girl.
The voyageurs watched from a distance as the baby crawled in a circle, whimpering and pitiful.
Her tiny dress of good blue wool was embroidered with white beads and ribbons, and her new makazins
were carefully sewn.
It was clear she had been loved.
It was also clear that the family who had loved her was gone.
All of the fires in the village were cold.
The dead lay sadly in blankets, curled as though sleeping.
Smallpox had killed them all.
Concerns about the Baby
The voyageurs trembled at the thought that the disease might already have chosen one of them.
They worried that the baby might also be sick.
One man suggested that the baby looked tired and should be allowed to sleep.
Birds were singing, contrasting strangely with the silent horror below.
The men turned away and got back into their canoes.
As they paddled toward the next island, all were silent and thoughtful.
Hat's Decision
One man named Hat had tears in his eyes and decided to tell his wife about the baby.
He believed that his wife, Tallow, would be the one to rescue the little girl.
Hat was both scared and amazed by his wife's courage.
He felt a sense of shame for not being as brave as his wife.
Chapters 1-4: Neebin (Summer)
Chapter 1: The Birchbark House
Omakayas, also known as Little Frog, was a nimble young girl of seven winters.
She had shining brown eyes and a wide grin, missing her two top front teeth.
She was impatient for new teeth to complete her smile.
Omakayas explored the calm and beautiful surroundings of the island.
She heard her grandmother yell and hurried to find her.
Chapter 2: Old Tallow
Old Tallow was isolated by the force and strangeness of her personality.
She had never had any children and her three husbands had left her.
Nobody knew why her husbands left, but it was probably something terrible.
After the last husband left, her face aged suddenly while the rest of her remained strong.
She was a powerful, lean woman over six feet tall, surrounded by ferocious animals.
Chapter 3: The Return
Omakayas starts working on the moose hide without being asked.
She believes something passed between her and the mother bear.
Bears are seen as having human qualities.
Omakayas feels a connection with the bear and believes she can call on it when needed.
Omakayas is gentle and caring towards her baby brother.
Chapter 4: Andeg
Father's return brings order and laughter to the camp.
Deydey's attention turns to the cornfield and the crows.
Omakayas and Angeline try to scare away the birds but fail.
They come up with a plan to trick the birds and succeed.
They roast the birds and have a feast.
