Plot
Where does the story take place?
In the Maine wilderness during the 1700's.
What is the main problem Matt faces at the beginning?
He is left alone to survive in the wilderness.
What does as silent as a shadow mean?
It means someone is moving really smoothly and quietly.
Matt learns how to make a fishing hook - that's an example of which theme?
Survival
Which character is the main young boy that is a settler?
Matt
Why does Matt stay behind when his family leaves?
To protect the cabin while his father goes to get the rest of the family.
What conflict does Matt face with nature?
He struggles to find food, protect himself, and survive wild animals.
What kind of figurative language is “the forest whispered”?
Personification – giving human qualities to nature.
How does Matt show responsibility?
He takes care of the cabin and learns to survive on his own.
Who is Attean and how does he help Matt?
Attean is a Native American boy who teaches Matt survival skills.
What event leads Matt to meet Attean?
Matt is stung by bees and rescued by Attean’s grandfather.
What internal conflict does Matt face about trusting Attean?
He is unsure if he can trust someone with a different culture.
What does “his heart thumped like a drum” show?
It shows Matt was nervous or scared using a simile.
What lesson does Matt learn from Attean?
Respect for nature and different cultures.
What is Attean’s grandfather named?
Saknis
What is the peak of the story?
Matt decides to stay and wait for his family instead of going with Attean’s tribe.
What is the conflict between Matt’s culture and Attean’s culture?
They have different beliefs, traditions, and ways of life that cause the conflict.
Explain what the following simile used in the story means: “He moved like a fox.”
It compares someone’s movement to a fox to show stealth and sneaky walking.
When Attean asks Matt to come with them on the trip and not come back, what theme is that?
Friendship
Who stole Matt’s rifle?
Ben
What caused Matt’s family to be so late in getting to Maine?
The family was sick with Typhus and they were delayed by the weather
The fact that the Native Americans were forced off their land by the White men is an example of what type of conflict?
Person vs Society
“The humming grew to a roar, like a great wind.” Which type of figurative language does this show?
Simile or personification
When Attean teaches Matt how to make secret signs to find his way in the forest, that is an example of what theme?
Survival
Which character said that the Native Americans need to learn to live with the white men?
Saknis