Characters
What name is the girl first called at the beginning of the story?
Brat (also acceptable she didn't have a name)
Also acceptable Dung Beetle
During what historical time period is the story set?
The Middle Ages / Medieval times
Surprise Question: What is Ms. Akinde's sons name?
Ire
What does the midwife do when Beetle first asks to learn more about midwifery?
She refuses and tells Beetle she is too stupid to learn.
Why does the midwife take Brat in originally?
Brat was stupid so she was not competition
Who gives Brat the new name Beetle?
Jane
How many kids did Jane give birth to?
12
How does Beetle first try to warm herself before the midwife discovers her?
She buries herself deeper in the dung heap
Surprise Question: What religion is Ms. Akinde a part of?
No religion
Why does the midwife eventually accept Alyce back?
She sees that Alyce is determined to keep trying and not just quit and give up
The cat
Why did the boys in the village bully Alyce?
Because they were abused and bullied.
What trick does Beetle play on the villagers ?
When Alyce returns to the village, what does she do to show she is serious?
She stands outside the midwife’s door and refuses to leave until she is heard.
Why does Alyce run away from the village?
Alyce runs away because she fails to help deliver a difficult baby, loses her confidence, and believes she is not good enough to be the midwife’s apprentice. The midwife also scolds her harshly, which makes her feel ashamed and defeated.
Who is the man that is having an affair with Jane?
The Baker
How does society support Alyce's sense of self?
Ms. Akinde will determine
Who was the devil how do you know?
She was used to staying outside watching people and so she knew all their secrets and put the hooves to expose the villages and threw away the hooves at the end of the chapter.
Who does Alyce save from drowning and why?
She saves will, she is bold and empowered from the name change she also has a kind heart
Surprise Question: How old is Ms. Akinde's son?
3
What is the cat's new name?
Purr
How does society limit her sense of self?
Ms. Akinde will determine
What birthing event occurs at the Inn?
A woman at the inn goes into labor unexpectedly, and Alyce helps deliver the baby successfully all by herself—with no midwife present.
How does Alyce learn how to read?
The Magister Reese pretends to teach the cat how to read while teaching her how to read.
How does Alyce feel after she helps the lady at the Inn give birth?
Helping deliver the baby makes Alyce feel proud, capable, and hopeful. It shows her that she can do the work of a midwife, and it restores the confidence she lost. This moment eventually motivates her to return to the midwife and ask for another chance.