Crispin: Chapters 31 – 35

In Chapter 32 and Chapter 34, look for new vocabulary words. Try to determine meaning of word from its context. Also notice similes, metaphors, imagery, and hyperbole.

Chapter 32:

“Since you are still a wolf’s head, you might as well have some fangs.” (p. 134)

“True, you’re as ignorant as a turnip – or perhaps a cabbage – but you’ve a heart of oak, small acorn though you are.” (p. 137)

Vocabulary: Servile, rueful, apprentice

Chapter 33: (Optional – may use for future lesson)

“It was as if rainbows had come to earth.” (p. 142)

“It may seem odd, but it made me think the town had long hair, and each strand blown by wind was yet another color.” (p. 143)

“Behind them, a portcullis had been raised halfway up, looking like teeth prepared to bite.” (p. 144)

Vocabulary: Scudding, Flemish, apothecary, raucously, spires, portcullis

Chapter 34:

“It all appeared to my eyes and ears like a flock of crows screaming at one another in a crowded field of new-threshed wheat.” (p. 146-147)

“No, it was more like a dense forest, not of trees, but people.” (p. 147)

“There, strangers were as rare as shooting stars, and just as portentous.” (p. 147)

“indeed, there were so many objects to look at that if I had had ten eyes I could not have seen them all.” (p. 149)

Vocabulary: Gauntlet, timorous, palpable, portentous, cacophony, solars

Art Activity

Most people in the 14^th century could not read or write. Signs over shops made it easier for them to tell what goods each place sold. These signs consisted of pictures as well as words. Design a sign for 1 or more of the following: (Ch. 34, p. 149):

• a cobbler
• the White Stag Inn
• a blacksmith
• a baker
• a butcher
• a fish seller
• a clothier
• an armorer
• rope-maker

Discussion questions

1. As Crispin is about to enter Great Wexly, he has spent a month or more with Bear. How has Crispin changed?

“I had already asked God for much, and he had given in abundance.”

“Never had I felt so free. Never had I felt such constant joy.”

He is performing better.

He is learning to use weapons, to defend himself.

He is learning to sew.

He is learning to make snares to catch rabbits and birds.

He becomes Bear’s apprentice and is no longer a servant.

2. What are Bear’s first impressions of Great Wexly? How does it compare to Stromford Village?

Crispin sees many different nationalities of people, different clothing, and even colors he has never seen before. The houses have windows and glass – they are made with beams of timber and mortar instead of mud, straw, and dung.

3. From the description of life in a medieval city, why do you think illness and disease spread so quickly?
4. Describe Widow Daventry – an opinion: Have you noticed that all the women in this book are old and unattractive? I wish Avi had included a few females who are more attractive!!