Chapters 1- 9 from The Midwife's ApprenticeBy Karen Cushman (30 points total)

1. Why does the "ill-used child" on page 1 sleep in a dung pile?

 
2. Why is this girl a target for the "scrawniest, ugliest, dirtiest, stupidest" boys in the village?

 
3. Why does Jane Sharp, the midwife, name this girl "Beetle"?

 
4. What made the midwife decide to take Beetle home? (Quote a line from the book.)

 
5. What was the only way she knew to "comfort" the cat?

 
6. (4) List four different herbs and/or potions the midwife uses, and their specific purposes.

 
7. Why did the midwife not let Beetle watch when she delivered babies?

 
8. (4) Beetle learned that midwifery is as much about___________ & __________

     as it is about ___________ and ___________. (hint: see page 16).
 
9. Why did Jane and Beetle suddenly have so much bread?

 
10. What stroke of misfortune allows Beetle to go to the Saint Swithin's Day Fair?

 
11. (2) List two reasons why the merchant gives Beetle the comb?

 
12. Who gives Beetle her new name, "Alyce"?

 
13. What is so magical about this name?

 
14. Who saves Will from drowning in the river?

 
15. Why is Alyce not afraid to be out at night? (hint: see page 41).

 
16. (2) Who makes the Devil footprints in the village? Why?

 
17. (3) What threats does Alyce make to the boys to save her friend the cat from torment?

     (hint: what three things will happen to them if she douses them with her "potion"?)
 
18. Why does the midwife leave the bailiff's wife, even though her baby is still not born?

 
19. ( T / F ) Alyce uses hard work and common sense to help Joan, the bailiff's wife.

 
20. ( T / F ) The midwife is happy that Alyce helped to deliver the bailiff's baby.