Belonging & Identity Name
What name does the protagonist first have when we meet her, and what does that name suggest about how others see her?
Beetle is first called “Brat” or sometimes just unnamed/“the girl” by townspeople; it shows disrespect and low status.
Define “social hierarchy” in one sentence that a 7th grader can understand.
A system that ranks people by job, family, or status.
What new skill or responsibility does Beetle gain in Lessons 20–30?
assisting in births, preparing remedies, or managing household tasks.
Who is the midwife that takes Beetle in?
Jane Sharp (or the midwife’s name as used in your edition — confirm edition).
What is one major theme of The Midwife’s Apprentice that connects to identity?
Identity, belonging, transformation, resilience.
How does being taken in by the midwife (Jane) begin to change Beetle’s sense of belonging?
Being taken in by Jane gives Beetle shelter, tasks, and someone who names and trains her, fostering belonging.
Give one example from Lessons 20–30 of how Beetle’s low social rank affects how others treat her.
Example: treated with scorn, given the worst jobs, or ignored in public scenes in Lessons 20–30.
Describe a fear Beetle has earlier in the book and how her feelings about that fear evolve in Lessons 20–30.
initial fear of failure or being seen; later she shows resolve or curiosity.
Name one minor character introduced or featured in Lessons 20–30 and describe their role.
Teacher should accept correct identifications with brief descriptions.
How does the idea of “belonging” show up in these lessons? Give one example.
Example: being given a place to sleep, being taught, or included in tasks.
Describe one event from Lessons 20–30 that shows Beetle starting to see herself differently.
[Acceptable answer: when Beetle performs a task successfully or is trusted with a responsibility — lesson-specific quote expected.]
How does the community’s view of midwives compare to their view of servants or beggars? Use an example from the text.
Midwives may be respected for skill but still limited by gender/class; servants/beggars are lower—cite passages.
Choose one scene from Lessons 20–30 and explain how it shows Beetle becoming more confident.
Look for a scene where Beetle acts independently or helps someone—textual support needed.
Identify a specific object or item in these lessons that symbolizes Beetle’s changing status, and explain why.
Possible items: a bowl, apron, or a named tool—explain symbolism of utility and belonging.
Choose a symbol or motif from Lessons 20–30 and explain how it supports the theme of identity.
Symbol/motif examples: names, clothing, tools, or animals—explain connection.
Explain how Beetle’s relationships with other characters (pick one) influence her developing identity in these lessons.
Relationship with Jane, or with the apprentice—student should cite a moment where advice or praise shifts Beetle’s self-view.
Identify a moment in Lessons 20–30 when Beetle either accepts or resists the social hierarchy. What does she do and why?
Beetle speaks up or completes a task despite ridicule (resists) or accepts menial work (accepts).
How does language (what Beetle says or how others speak to her) show a change in how she sees herself?
Changes from being spoken to dismissively to being addressed with a name or instruction show growth
Quote (or paraphrase) a line from Lessons 20–30 that reveals Beetle’s self-image; explain its importance.
Accept accurate quotes/paraphrases from the assigned lessons.
Identify two pieces of textual evidence from Lessons 20–30 that together support the idea that community helps shape identity. Explain briefly.
Two pieces might include Jane’s mentorship and a scene where villagers accept Beetle’s help.
Using two pieces of evidence from Lessons 20–30, argue whether Beetle’s identity change is mostly internal (feelings/thoughts) or external (roles/status). Include quotes or specific actions.
Accept both internal and external arguments; look for evidence such as Beetle’s thoughts versus new tasks/title.
Explain how Beetle’s changing role (from beggar to apprentice) challenges the existing social order. Use two textual details to support your answer.
Look for scenes showing villagers’ reactions and Beetle’s new duties; evaluate change in others’ behavior.
Trace Beetle’s identity arc from the start of Lesson 20 to the end of Lesson 30: identify three turning points and explain their significance.
Three turning points might include being taken in, first success at a task, and a moment of recognition/respect
Find and analyze a passage in Lessons 20–30 where the narrator’s tone toward Beetle changes—what words or descriptions show that shift?
Teacher should look for shifts from pitying or neutral descriptions to respectful or admiring language.
Craft a short thesis statement (1–2 sentences) about how The Midwife’s Apprentice shows identity changing through relationships and actions, and then list three strong pieces of textual evidence from Lessons 20–30 you would use to support it.
Sample thesis: “In Lessons 20–30 of The Midwife’s Apprentice, Beetle’s identity changes from powerless orphan to a valued apprentice through relationships and demonstrated competence.” Evidence: (a) a passage where Jane entrusts Beetle with a task; (b) Beetle’s internal reflection showing increased self-worth; (c) an external scene where another character acknowledges Beetle’s skill.