Island of the Blue Dolphins Chapters 1-17

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Questions and Answers

How would you describe Karana's relationship with her brother, Ramo?

Karana and her brother have a good relationship. Karana tries to act older and wiser than her brother. She thinks he is easily distracted so she tries to set a good example for him.

Who is Chief Chowig, and how would you describe him?

He is the chief of Ghalas-at and the father of Karana and Ramo. He is a smart man who stands up for the rights of his tribe and does what is best for the village.

What do the Aleuts want to do on the island of Ghalas-at?

The Aleuts want to hunt sea otters and camp on the island while they hunt.

What action(s) of Chief Chowig indicates that he is a smart man?

He remembers a time before when the Aleuts came to hunt, and he insists that the otter they catch must be divided equally. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chief Chowig warn his people against becoming friends with the Aleuts?

He explains that the Aleuts are people who do not understand friendship and have caused trouble for the people of Ghalas-at in the past. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the villagers so alert in making sure that the Aleut hunters didn't leave unexpectedly?

The villagers want what was agreed to with the people of Ghalas-at. Signup and view all the answers

What three signs were noted that suggested that the hunters were getting ready to leave the island of Ghalas-at?

The Aleut ships are filled with otter pelts, the Aleuts are spending all their time skinning the otter, and preparations are being made at the Aleut camp. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that the Aleuts were also watching the people of Ghalas-at?

The Aleuts knew the people of Ghalas-at had found white bass and how many. Signup and view all the answers

What message did Chief Chowig send to the Aleuts when he refused to share the fish with them?

Chief Chowig sends the message that he does not want to be friendly with the Aleuts. Signup and view all the answers

How does Karana feel about the Aleuts killing so many sea otters?

Karana does not like the Aleuts killing the sea otters, stating it makes her angry because she feels the otters are her friends. Signup and view all the answers

How might the concluding paragraph of Chapter 3 be regarded as an example of foreshadowing?

It tells of how Chief Chowig is working on a spear and the villagers are worried about the Aleuts. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Aleuts and the people of Ghalas-at fight?

The Aleuts try to leave Ghalas-at, leading to an argument over what the villagers agreed on for the otter, resulting in many deaths, including Chief Chowig. Signup and view all the answers

How has Ghalas-at changed after the fight with the Aleuts?

Out of 42 men, only 15 survived the fight. A new chief, Kimki, emerges to lead, and the villagers deeply miss their loved ones. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Kimki want to settle the tribe in a new area?

The island has many memories of those who died, and he sends white men to help relocate the villagers. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Karana jump off the ship and return to the island?

She realizes her brother, Ramo, did not get on the ship. Signup and view all the answers

What does the excerpt about Karana's feelings for her brother reveal?

Karana loves her brother and couldn't leave him alone on the island. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Karana better prepared than others to handle her situation?

Karana is used to living on the island and knows how to hunt and use resources to survive. Signup and view all the answers

How does Karana describe the huts as she and her brother return to the village?

She describes the huts as looking like ghosts in the cold night, meaning it is quiet and empty. Signup and view all the answers

What two things are being compared in the simile about the spit and the ocean?

The spit is compared to a fishhook. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Ramo?

The wild dogs killed him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Karana's response to Ramo's death.

She carried her brother back to the village and vowed to kill the dogs who killed him. Signup and view all the answers

What object is personified in the sentence about fog?

Fog is personified as it is described as creeping in and out of the empty huts. Signup and view all the answers

What does Karana decide to do to the village of Ghalas-at and why?

She burns the huts in the village because they reminded her of all who once lived there. Signup and view all the answers

Why must Karana make weapons for herself?

She wants to protect herself from wild dogs, though the law of her tribe forbids women from making weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What does Karana discover in the chest left behind by the Aleuts?

She finds beautiful beads and bracelets, but throws them into the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the first storms of winter end Karana's hopes of a ship coming for her?

She realizes summer would have been the best time for a ship due to good weather. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Karana to return to the island?

Her canoe has a leak. Signup and view all the answers

What decision shows Karana has accepted living on the island?

She decides to build a house for herself. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Karana decided to build her house near the sea elephants?

Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the mood in Chapter 11?

In Chapter 11, Karana accepts that she belongs to the island, contrasting her previous feelings of longing to be rescued. Signup and view all the answers

What causes her to seek shelter in the cave originally?

She realizes that the wild dogs are waiting for her and she needs to protect her injured leg. Signup and view all the answers

What two reasons are given for the pack of dogs becoming more aggressive?

The dogs of the slain men of the village joined the pack, and there is a new leader. Signup and view all the answers

Where had the leader of the pack of dogs probably come from?

It probably came from the Aleuts. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Karana fear the leader of the pack of dogs more than any other member?

She saves all her arrows to kill the leader and states that she will be satisfied if the leader of the pack dies. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that Karana is a compassionate person?

She does not kill the dog when she has the chance; instead, she brings him back to the headland. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think Karana helped the leader of the pack so that she could keep him as a pet?

No, she expresses indifference to the dog’s fate and leaves the fence open for him to leave. Signup and view all the answers

How do Karana's feelings for the dog change at the end of Chapter 15?

She starts to care for him and catches fish for him each day. Signup and view all the answers

What does Karana name the dog and what does it mean in her language?

She names him Ronto, which means fox eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Relationship Between Karana and Ramo

Karana acts as a role model for her younger brother Ramo, trying to guide him with her maturity.
Karana perceives Ramo as easily distracted and makes efforts to set a positive example.

Chief Chowig

Chief Chowig serves as the leader of Ghalas-at and father to Karana and Ramo.
He is depicted as wise and protective, advocating for his tribe's rights against external threats.

Aleuts' Intentions

The Aleuts aim to hunt sea otter and camp on Ghalas-at during their activities.
Captain Orlov commands the Aleut group.

Chief Chowig's Wisdom

He recalls past encounters with the Aleuts and insists on equitable shares of the captured otters, highlighting his leadership skills.

Distrust of the Aleuts

Chief Chowig expresses concern that the Aleuts lack understanding of friendship, recounting previous conflicts with them.
This distrust reflects a protective stance for the people of Ghalas-at.

Villagers' Vigilance

The villagers remain alert to ensure that the Aleuts adhere to their agreements, demonstrating a communal sense of duty.

Signs of Aleuts' Departure

Indicators of the Aleuts preparing to leave include filled ships with otter pelts, intense skinning work, and visible preparations at their camp.

Aleuts' Observational Skills

The Aleuts are aware of the fishing success of Ghalas-at, demonstrating their cautious monitoring of the villagers.

Message from Chief Chowig

By denying the Aleuts fish, Chief Chowig signals a desire for distance and independence, hinting at possible anger or retaliation from the Aleuts.

Karana's Sentiments on Sea Otter Hunting

Karana expresses anger and sadness over the Aleuts' excessive hunting, feeling a deep connection to the otters she considers friends.

Foreshadowing in the Narrative

The concluding paragraph of Chapter 3 suggests an impending conflict, with Chief Chowig preparing weapons amidst rising tensions.

Conflict with Aleuts

A dispute arises between the Aleuts and the villagers over hunting agreements, resulting in significant casualties, including Chief Chowig.

Changes in Ghalas-at Post-Fight

After the conflict, 15 out of the original 42 men survive; a new leader, Kimki, rises and decides to seek a new settlement for the tribe.

Kimki's Leadership

Kimki's decision to relocate stems from painful memories tied to the village; he employs white men to assist in relocating the villagers.

Ramo's Fate

Karana returns to the island to find Ramo has not boarded the ship, leading to her emotional response and desire to protect him.

Karana's Love for Ramo

Karana's deep affection for Ramo is illustrated by her instinct to hold him and comfort him upon their reunion.

Karana's Preparedness

Karana's island survival skills, such as hunting, contrast with modern technology which would enhance one’s ability to cope with isolation.

Description of the Huts

Karana likens the deserted huts to ghosts, conveying a sense of silence and haunting memories from her past.

Simile in Chapter 8

The simile compares a land formation to a fishhook, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature.

Ramo's Death

Ramo meets a tragic end at the jaws of wild dogs, drastically altering Karana's world.

Karana's Grief

In response to Ramo's death, Karana vows revenge against the dogs, showcasing her emotional turmoil and desire for justice.

Personification of Fog

Fog is described as creeping in, attributing human-like movement to a natural phenomenon, enhancing the setting's atmosphere.

Karana's Decisions

To cope with memories of her past, Karana burns the village huts, indicating a desire to erase painful reminders.

Crafting Weapons

Despite cultural prohibitions against women making weapons, Karana prioritizes her safety and protection from wild dogs.

Discarding Aleut Beads

Karana discards the Aleut beads, recognizing them as symbols of loss and betrayal from her tribe's recent history.

Change in Seasons

With winter approaching, Karana realizes the unlikelihood of rescue and decides to venture eastward using a canoe.

Acceptance of Island Life

Karana demonstrates her acceptance of solitary living by beginning to build her own house on the island.

Mood Shift in Chapter 11

Contrary to previous chapters filled with longing for rescue, Chapter 11 depicts Karana's acceptance of her life as part of the island.

Seeking Shelter in a Cave

Faced with danger from wild dogs, Karana smartly finds refuge in a cave, highlighting her adaptability and survival instincts.

Aggressive Dog Pack

The increase in aggressive behavior among the dog pack is attributed to new members joining from slain villagers and the emergence of a strong leader.

Leader of the Dog Pack

The pack's leader likely originates from the Aleut group, establishing a link to past conflicts.

Karana's Fear of the Leader

Karana's strategic conservation of arrows for the pack leader reflects her recognition of the specific threat he poses.

Compassionate Actions

Karana’s decision to spare an injured dog exemplifies her inherent compassion, contrasting with her vow of revenge.

Relationship with the Dog

While initially indifferent, Karana’s feelings evolve as she begins to care for the injured leader of the pack, indicating her capacity for empathy.

Naming the Dog

Karana names the dog "Ronto," which translates to "fox eyes" in her language, signifying a newfound bond despite her earlier hostility.

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Description

Explore the key relationships and characters in the first 17 chapters of 'Island of the Blue Dolphins'. This quiz focuses on understanding the dynamics between Karana, her brother Ramo, and Chief Chowig, among others. Test your knowledge and comprehension of this classic novel.