The Sign of the Beaver Questions and Answers
The Sign of the Beaver
Sign of the Beaver Key Events and Climax
The Sign of the Beaver, set in 1769 Maine, unfolds amidst escalating colonial tensions post-French and Indian War, highlighting conflicts between Native Americans and settlers. Key events include...
The Sign of the Beaver
What are the differences between the movie and the book of The Sign of the Beaver?
In the book, Matt's father, mother and siblings have left for Maine before the story begins and he stays alone on the land, while in the movie they arrive after his encounter with Loomis. The Indians...
The Sign of the Beaver
What gifts do Matt, Saknis, Attean, and Attean's grandmother exchange in The Sign of the Beaver?
In "The Sign of the Beaver," Matt and Attean exchange significant gifts reflecting their friendship and cultural values. Saknis gives Matt snowshoes, essential for surviving the winter, and Attean's...
The Sign of the Beaver
Why does Attean become upset about the story in Sign of the Beaver?
Attean becomes upset with the story because Friday, a black man, submits to Robinson Crusoe, a white man, calling him "Master." This reflects imperialistic themes where Crusoe imposes his culture on...
The Sign of the Beaver
Matt's experiences and lessons learned from the Indians in "The Sign of the Beaver."
Matt's experiences with the Indians in The Sign of the Beaver teach him survival skills, respect for different cultures, and the value of friendship. He learns how to fish, hunt, and live off the...
The Sign of the Beaver
What is the first problem in Matt's cabin in The Sign of the Beaver?
The first problem Matt encounters in his cabin is the isolation and loneliness after his father leaves to fetch his mother. Other minor issues include maintaining the fire, hunting for food, battling...
The Sign of the Beaver
What advice does Matt's father give him about treating the Indians in Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's father advises him to treat the Indians with respect, emphasizing that they value respect highly. He suggests speaking to them as he would to a preacher, indicating the importance of courteous...
The Sign of the Beaver
What is the point of view in 'The Sign of the Beaver' and how can you tell?
The point of view in "The Sign of the Beaver" is third person limited. This perspective is evident as the narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of only one character, Matt, without using...
The Sign of the Beaver
What does the Penobscot word "kweh" from The Sign of the Beaver mean in English?
The Penobscot word "kweh" means "hello" or "how are you" in English. It is used as a greeting, similar to the way these phrases are used in English-speaking cultures.
The Sign of the Beaver
What are two problems and their solutions in chapters 6–10 of The Sign of the Beaver?
In chapters 6-10, Matt faces two main problems. First, in chapter 6, he wants to thank Saknis for his help but only has a book. Saknis asks Matt to teach his grandson, Attean, to read, which Matt...
The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, why does Matt find it hard to trust Ben?
Matt finds it hard to trust Ben due to his unkempt appearance and pushy behavior. Ben is described as slovenly and forward, quickly assessing Matt's isolation and showing interest in Matt's father's...
The Sign of the Beaver
What fat does Attean use on the bow in The Sign of the Beaver?
Although oil from bear fat would be preferable, Attean rubs fish oil into the new bow that he helps Matt build in The Sign of the Beaver.
The Sign of the Beaver
Character Description and Book Name in The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, Matt has two books with him: Robinson Crusoe and his father's Bible. Robinson Crusoe plays a significant role as Matt uses it to teach Attean English. Matt is described...
The Sign of the Beaver
How does Matt and Attean's experience contrast with Robinson Crusoe's in "The Sign of the Beaver"?
Attean and Matt's relationship was the reverse of Crusoe and Friday's because Attean didn't fit the stereotypical mold of a "brown savage," one that Friday, in his straitened circumstances, was not...
The Sign of the Beaver
What are some similarities between the white and Native American ways in The Sign of the Beaver?
There are a number of similarities between the ways of the white people and the Native Americans in The Sign of the Beaver. For starters, both Matt and Attean have much to learn from each other, even...
The Sign of the Beaver
What is Matt's task with the sticks in The Sign of the Beaver while his dad is away?
In The Sign of the Beaver, while his dad is gone, Matt is supposed to use sticks to count the days until his family returns. Matt marks off each day by cutting a notch into the sticks. This helps to...
The Sign of the Beaver
What two gifts does Matt's father give him before leaving?
Before leaving, Matt's father gives him two significant gifts: his heirloom silver watch and his own rifle. The watch, once belonging to Matt's grandfather, holds sentimental value, while the rifle,...
The Sign of the Beaver
What's the difference between Matt's father and Attean's signs in the woods in Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's father and Attean use different methods to mark paths in the woods. Matt's father uses the more visible method of cutting blazes on trees. In contrast, Attean employs subtle, almost invisible...
The Sign of the Beaver
Why is Matt left alone in the wilderness by his father in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt is left alone in the wilderness because his father must return to Massachusetts to bring the rest of the family to their new home in Maine. Matt's mother and sister stayed behind for safety due...
The Sign of the Beaver
What are the three gifts Matt makes for himself in The Sign of the Beaver?
In The Sign of the Beaver, the three gifts that Matt makes for himself are a pair of new pants, new mittens, and a warm hat.
The Sign of the Beaver
The deal between Matt and Saknis in The Sign of the Beaver
The deal between Matt and Saknis in The Sign of the Beaver involves Matt teaching Saknis's grandson, Attean, to read English in exchange for food and protection. This arrangement helps Matt survive...
The Sign of the Beaver
Matt and Attean's Evolving Friendship and Mutual Learning in "The Sign of the Beaver"
In "The Sign of the Beaver," the friendship between Matt and Attean evolves from mutual distrust to deep respect through shared learning experiences. Initially bound by a deal for Matt to teach...
The Sign of the Beaver
How did Attean's teachings in The Sign of the Beaver aid Matt's forest survival?
Attean teaches Matt how to make simple weapons, how to tell where he is, and how to hunt without the aid of a firearm.
The Sign of the Beaver
Why does Attean's grandmother dislike white men in Sign of the Beaver? What about Saknis?
Attean's grandmother dislikes white men because they caused the deaths of Attean's parents, with his mother being shot for her scalp despite not posing a threat. This history of violence fuels her...
The Sign of the Beaver
How does Matt earn Attean's respect in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt earns Attean's respect by choosing to stay and wait for his father instead of joining Attean's tribe. Despite previous attempts to impress Attean with brave deeds, it is Matt's loyalty and...
The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, what alleviates Matt's worry about the upcoming winter and why does it boost his confidence?
In The Sign of the Beaver, Matt is set free from his worries about the large amount of snow and the winter ahead by the realization that thanks to his snowshoes, he is still able to move around...
The Sign of the Beaver
The journey of Attean and Matt towards manhood in "The Sign of the Beaver."
In The Sign of the Beaver, the journey of Attean and Matt towards manhood is marked by their developing friendship and mutual respect. Both characters learn from each other: Attean gains literacy and...
The Sign of the Beaver
Why did Saknis want Attean to learn to read in The Sign of the Beaver?
Saknis wanted Attean to learn to read to help protect their Penobscot tribe from being deceived by white settlers. As more settlers encroached on their land, Saknis recognized that understanding...
The Sign of the Beaver
Matt's father's knowledge and advice about bees in The Sign of the Beaver
Matt's father advises him that bees are dangerous but manageable if approached with respect. He shares practical knowledge about how to handle bees safely, emphasizing the importance of calm and...
The Sign of the Beaver
Attean's visits and the structure of Matt's reading lessons in The Sign of the Beaver
Attean's visits in The Sign of the Beaver follow a pattern where he comes daily to learn reading from Matt. The structure of the lessons is informal, with Matt reading passages from Robinson Crusoe...
The Sign of the Beaver
In "The Sign of the Beaver," what items does Matt's father leave him and why are they important?
Matt's father leaves him a prized rifle and a special watch before returning to Massachusetts to bring back the rest of the family. The watch, an heirloom from Matt's great-grandfather, serves as a...
The Sign of the Beaver
What events occurred in the American colonies during 1769?
In 1769, tensions in the American colonies escalated due to British taxation policies. The Virginia House of Burgesses condemned British actions and proposed a boycott of British imports, leading to...
The Sign of the Beaver
What does seba refer to in The Sign of the Beaver?
In "The Sign of the Beaver," "seba" is the Indian word for "tomorrow." It first appears in Chapter 6 when Matt, after being rescued by two Indians, Saknis and Attean, offers them a book in gratitude....
The Sign of the Beaver
Why was Matt invited to the Indian feast and did Attean credit him for the bear's defeat?
Matt was invited to the Indian feast because he played a crucial role in the bear's defeat by distracting it with a rabbit, allowing Attean to kill it. During the feast, Attean recounted the event in...
The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, what evidence suggests Matt's father had confidence in him?
Matt's father demonstrates confidence in him by entrusting Matt with the responsibility of maintaining their cabin and corn patch in the Maine wilderness while he returns to Massachusetts. Despite...
The Sign of the Beaver
How did Matt's survival skills change in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's survival skills in "The Sign of the Beaver" evolve significantly as he learns from his mistakes and gains experience. Initially, his inexperience leads to challenges like limited supplies and...
The Sign of the Beaver
What was Matt's role in the bear's killing in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's role in the bear's killing is pivotal, as his quick thinking provides a crucial distraction. When a mother bear threatens Matt and Attean, Matt instinctively throws a rabbit he had hunted at...
The Sign of the Beaver
What food item does Matt's mother insist they take to Maine in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's mother insists they take a small keg of molasses to Maine in The Sign of the Beaver. Despite his father's reluctance due to space constraints, she prevails because of Matt's fondness for...
The Sign of the Beaver
What does Matt's father say to confirm that Matt found his manitou in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's father confirms that Matt found his manitou by praising him for his maturity and responsibility, saying, "You've done a grown man's job, son...I'm right proud of you." This acknowledgment...
The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, what did the stranger say that made Matt suspect he's a criminal?
Matt suspects the stranger, Ben, is a criminal when Ben mentions avoiding the river until "things quiet down" and implies he left town just in time to avoid trouble, suggesting he might have...
The Sign of the Beaver
Matt's difficulty in recognizing Attean upon his return in "The Sign of the Beaver."
Matt has difficulty recognizing Attean upon his return because Attean has transformed significantly. He has grown taller, his demeanor has matured, and he now carries himself with the confidence of a...
The Sign of the Beaver
Saknis' assistance in aiding Matt's recovery in The Sign of the Beaver
Saknis aids Matt's recovery in The Sign of the Beaver by providing medical care and food. He treats Matt's injuries with traditional remedies and ensures he has nourishment to regain his strength....
The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, why did Ben avoid the river? What happened to the local Indians?
Ben avoids the river to evade the townspeople, who are after him for unspecified accusations they cannot prove. Regarding the local Indians, many were decimated by smallpox or during the French and...
The Sign of the Beaver
Attean's Grandmother's Changing Relationship with Matt in The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, Attean's grandmother changes her opinion about Matt after he risks his safety to save Attean's dog caught in a trap. Despite her initial distrust of white people, due to...
The Sign of the Beaver
Which section of the book does Matt skip in The Sign of the Beaver and why?
Matt skips two sections of Robinson Crusoe while reading to Attean. First, he skips the dull introduction in chapter 8 to capture Attean's interest with a storm scene. Later, in chapter 10, he omits...
The Sign of the Beaver
In "The Sign of the Beaver", what is Matt's response to Saknis and Attean's hunting invitation?
Matt initially feels ecstatic about Saknis and Attean's invitation to join their hunt, as it means avoiding a lonely winter. However, he soon realizes he must honor his promise to stay at the cabin...
The Sign of the Beaver
What are the Indian women doing in The Sign of the Beaver, and why is Matt interested? What is Attean's reaction?
In "The Sign of the Beaver," Indian women are preparing food, which piques Matt's interest because he must fend for himself and is eager to learn new survival techniques. Observing them, he learns...
The Sign of the Beaver
Reasons behind Matt making notches on his father's stick in The Sign of the Beaver
In The Sign of the Beaver, Matt makes notches on his father's stick to keep track of the days his father has been away. This helps him measure time and maintain hope, providing a sense of structure...
The Sign of the Beaver
Can you give an example of Matt's resourcefulness in The Sign of the Beaver?
Matt's resourcefulness in "The Sign of the Beaver" is demonstrated through his willingness to learn from Attean, a Native American boy. Initially, Matt is naive and unprepared for survival, as seen...
The Sign of the Beaver
How did Matt realize Attean was becoming his friend?
Matt realizes Attean is becoming his friend as they spend more time together in the wilderness, with Attean teaching Matt Indian ways. Attean acknowledges Matt's bravery in a bear encounter,...