I Heard The Owl Call My Name Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What information does the Preface reveal?

The young ordained has only a few years to live and he will spend them serving Indian villages. The Bishop describes Kingcome as his hardest parish, yet it is where he would go if he were in the young man's place.

Why do you think Margaret Craven included the preface?

It sparks the reader's curiosity and foreshadows the story. The reader senses or infers that many challenges will confront the dying vicar. Something tragic is going to happen, but something wonderful will happen, too.

Who is Mark Brian?

He is the young ordained man sent to Kingcome.

Why does Caleb come out of retirement?

He comes to teach Mark how to run and maintain the diesel launch and to acquaint Mark with some of the Indian customs and characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Before Mark meets the Indians, how does he think they will respond to him and why?

He thinks they will respond to him with arrogance because he has heard of their intelligence and their lavish feasts where gifts are distributed to all guests by the host chief who wishes to impress upon them his great wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jim Wallace respond to Mark?

With eyes full of quiet pride and deep sadness, Jim accepts Mark's handshake but returns no pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the speaker: 'If man were to vanish from this planet tomorrow, here he would leave no trace that he ever was.'

Mark was describing the awesome grandeur and beauty of the British Columbian coast. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potlatch?

It is a feast with gifts given by the leader of one Indian tribe to another tribe in order to impress his wealth and status upon the neighboring tribe. Signup and view all the answers

What English phrase does not exist in Kwakwala?

'Thank you' doesn't exist in Kwakwala. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the dead boy not buried?

The tribe must wait until a burial permit is issued by the RCMP. Signup and view all the answers

Why has it taken so long for the RCMP officer to come and issue the burial permit?

Evidently, he has waited for a fair day so that he could bring his girlfriend. Signup and view all the answers

What does it tell us about Mark that he 'sensed there was something yet unfinished of which he had no part'?

It illustrates his respect and consideration for the traditions and values of the Indians. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gluckaston?

It is a mixture of seaweed and corn which has been left at the vicarage for Mark and Jim to eat. Signup and view all the answers

Identify: 'He will say we and he will mean us.'

Jim is discussing Mark and his use of the Victorian 'we' with Chief Eddy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the villagers' first impression of their new vicar?

They realize that he does not have the skills to live in the village without help; he cannot hunt or fish and knows very little about his boat, but they are pleased that he has shown respect for their customs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Hudson's 'small revenge on the white man, the intruder'?

She makes mashed turnips for dinner because she believes that the white men hate them. Signup and view all the answers

What is Marta Stephens making for Mark?

She is making him a warm hat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition of the church and the vicarage?

Both buildings are full of holes, leaks, rotten floors and moldy walls. They both need to be replaced. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does the Bishop write to Mark?

He suggests that he must work with his hands to gain the respect of the Indians. Signup and view all the answers

Identify: 'There is a bear loose in the church.'

Mrs. Hudson is describing Mark's sweeping and scrubbing. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of man is the teacher?

He is selfish and inconsiderate. He is not interested in the Indians or their culture; he is merely accumulating the 'hardship points' so he can earn a grant to study in Greece. He is not a wise man or he would realize his opportunity to learn from the Indians. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two kinds of naivete Mark quotes from Schweitzer?

One kind of naivete is not even being aware that there exists a problem or situation. The other kind is the naivete of a man who has searched for answers and discovered that man knows little, yet he retains his convictions and beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Mark's first friends?

The specific names are not provided in the text. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Concepts

Mark Brian, the young ordained man, is sent to the challenging parish of Kingcome, where he has a limited time to live.
Caleb emerges from retirement to teach Mark about Indian customs and diesel launch maintenance.

Cultural Insights

A potlatch is an important indigenous feast where gifts are presented to showcase wealth and status amongst tribes.
The phrase "Thank you" does not exist in Kwakwala, highlighting differences in cultural expressions of gratitude.

Important Events and Symbols

The delay in burying a dead boy in the village is due to the wait for a burial permit from the RCMP, reflecting bureaucratic challenges faced by the community.
Jim Wallace, an Indian villager, shows a mixture of pride and sadness in greeting Mark, presenting the complexities of their interaction.

Themes and Motivation

The Preface introduces a sense of foreshadowing, hinting at the challenges and growth awaiting the vicar throughout the story.
Mark's observation of the unimportance of man in nature evokes a sense of wonder towards the British Columbian landscape.

Community Dynamics

The villagers immediately recognize Mark's lack of practical skills for living in the village but appreciate his effort to respect their customs.
Mrs. Hudson’s preparation of mashed turnips signifies a small act of rebellion against the white intruders, indicating underlying tensions.

Relationships and Challenges

Mark feels a sense of detachment from the village's traditions, symbolized by his acknowledgment of being unfinished in understanding their ways.
The church and vicarage are described as dilapidated, emphasizing the neglect of both physical space and spiritual needs of the community.

Personal Development

The Bishop advises Mark to earn respect by engaging in manual work, highlighting the importance of humility and community connection.
Mark's reflections on naivete from Schweitzer illustrate two perspectives: unawareness of problems and the acceptance of limited knowledge while maintaining beliefs.

Noteworthy Quotes

Jim's statement about Mark's use of the Victorian "we" illustrates the misinterpretation of intentions due to cultural gaps.
The humorous note on the bear being loose in the church emphasizes Mark's struggle with the practical aspects of his new role.

Friendships and Growth

Mark's developing relationships indicate the beginning of his integration into the community, showcasing the potential for mutual understanding.

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Test your knowledge of 'I Heard The Owl Call My Name' through these short answer flashcards. Explore key themes and important insights revealed in the Preface and throughout the novel. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of this poignant story.