The Sign of the Beaver Questions on Attean
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
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
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
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'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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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,...