Abel's Island by William Steig Multiple Choice Questions

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Questions and Answers

What did Abel use to avoid being soiled by the sap while cutting the daisy?

His wife's scarf

A paper napkin

A leaf from the fern

His handkerchief (correct)

What did Abel plan to do with the daisy after cutting it?

Wear it as a boutonniere

Present it to his wife as a parasol (correct)

Throw it into the woods

Use it as a bookmark

What did Abel and Amanda enjoy for lunch in the sunless woods?

Delicate sandwiches of pot cheese and watercress (correct)

Burgers and fries

Pizza and soda

Sushi and miso soup

What game did Abel and Amanda play after having lunch?

Croquet Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Abel's boat?

It capsizes in a river Signup and view all the answers

Where do Abel and Amanda seek shelter during the storm?

In a cave with various animals Signup and view all the answers

What does Amanda lose to the wind?

Her scarf Signup and view all the answers

Where does Abel find himself after being swept away by the storm?

In a river facing a waterfall Signup and view all the answers

What does the story depict?

The struggle of Abel in the face of nature's fury Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel clinging to in the storm?

A fragment of board and Amanda's scarf Signup and view all the answers

What intensifies into a hurricane during the picnic?

The storm Signup and view all the answers

What caused the protagonist to become stranded on the island?

A hurricane and subsequent flood Signup and view all the answers

Where does Abel eventually get stuck?

In an unknown place in the dark Signup and view all the answers

How did the protagonist feel about his survival skills after eating twigs and bark?

Smug Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel feel rushing past him?

Heavy water Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist do after realizing he had climbed down a tree he had never climbed up?

Felt joyous at being back on solid ground Signup and view all the answers

What was the protagonist contemplating while waiting for rescue?

Crossing the river to return home Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the story?

Abel's struggle for survival in a storm Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel wonder about during the ordeal?

How long he can endure the ordeal Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist envision about narrating his adventures?

Narrating with a matter-of-fact attitude Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Abel as he faces the waterfall?

His boat capsizes Signup and view all the answers

How did the protagonist feel about his expectations of rescue towards the end?

Realized he had been expecting too much Signup and view all the answers

What was the protagonist clutching when he fell asleep and woke up stranded?

A rusty nail Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist eat when feeling hungry and marooned?

Twig and bark Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist find lodged in a tree on the island?

His makeshift boat Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist realize about the landscape after a second spell of sleep?

It had changed, with trees surrounding him Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist ponder about while marooned on the island?

The search parties that would be looking for him Signup and view all the answers

What was the protagonist's ultimate decision towards the end of the story?

To find a way to cross the river back home Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a rudder for his first boat?

A board and a nail Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a sail for his sailboat?

His jacket Signup and view all the answers

What did the man kiss for good luck before setting off on his boat?

A piece of fluff from his wife Signup and view all the answers

What materials did the man use to construct the boat?

Driftwood, bark, and grass Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use to prevent leakage in the boat?

Caulking Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a rudder for his sailboat?

Driftwood, bark, and grass Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a mast for his boat?

Driftwood, bark, and grass Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a sail for his first boat?

A board and a nail Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a sail for his first boat?

A board and a nail Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a sail for his sailboat?

His jacket Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a rudder for his sailboat?

Driftwood, bark, and grass Signup and view all the answers

What did the man use as a mast for his sailboat?

Driftwood, bark, and grass Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel contemplate as a means of crossing the river?

Tunneling under the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel decide to construct in order to cross the river?

A bridge Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel wish for while stranded on the island?

To be back home with his wife and elegant possessions Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's attitude towards finding food on the island?

Confident Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel consider building to conquer the river?

A catamaran Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel initially attempt to navigate the stream with?

A boat Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel dismiss as a means of crossing the river?

Tunneling under the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel long to communicate with on the island?

Wild birds Signup and view all the answers

How does Abel feel about his predicament on the island?

Resentful and bored Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel consider when contemplating crossing the river without a boat?

Tunneling under the river Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing Abel attempts to navigate the stream with?

A boat Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's initial reaction to being marooned on the island?

Resolves to build a catamaran Signup and view all the answers

What did Abel attempt to do in an effort to reach Amanda?

Send her 'mind messages' Signup and view all the answers

What did Abel construct in an attempt to glide to his wife?

A glider made of a catalpa leaf and two sticks Signup and view all the answers

How did Abel feel after his failed attempt to glide to his wife?

Brokenhearted and dazed with pain Signup and view all the answers

What did Abel feel the tree was aware of while he was climbing?

His ascending spiral Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do as summer transitions to autumn?

He worries about the coming winter and starts storing acorns, hickory nuts, and wild sunflower seeds in his log Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do to make his log more comfortable for living?

He gathers milkweed fluff for warmth, weaves grass mats and curtains for his log, and makes shutters out of bark Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to dig out a book from the snow on the island?

A homemade shovel Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel collect from the owl after a fierce battle with it?

Its feathers Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to store milkweed fluff, seeds, dry berries, and mushrooms for a hard winter?

Handmade baskets Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel become increasingly paranoid and anxious about on the island?

Seeing an owl near his house Signup and view all the answers

Who does Abel express his determination to leave the island to?

Himself and a statue of Amanda Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel make to find solace in reading on the island?

Snowshoes Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after having a perilous encounter with the owl?

He manages to wound it and collect its feathers Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after becoming increasingly paranoid and anxious on the island?

He begins talking to himself and to a statue of Amanda Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel find solace in on the island?

Reading Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to make snowshoes on the island?

Milkweed fluff Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel express a strong desire for after a perilous encounter with the owl?

The owl's suffering Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after making snowshoes and a homemade shovel on the island?

He digs out a book from the snow Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use as a talisman after encountering the owl?

An owl feather Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to mark his way back to his home on the island?

Clay tablets Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel recite, feeling like he is casting a spell on the owl?

An incantation Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to fend off the owl when it attacks him?

A penknife Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to make himself a winter cape with a hood for the approaching winter?

Owl feather Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel discover along the shore but realizes that it cannot freeze?

Thin ice Signup and view all the answers

What provides Abel a sense of connection to the civilized world?

A mechanical watch Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel address, seeking comfort and safety?

A statue of Amanda Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel contemplate after reading a chapter about bears going to war?

The concept of peace and war Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel feel like he is casting on the owl when he recites an incantation?

A spell Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel become extremely cautious and wary of, even in daylight, after the encounter with the owl?

The owl Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel feel a sense of advantage over after using it as a talisman?

The owl Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's main occupation during the harsh winter?

Finding and eating food in the dark Signup and view all the answers

What brings Abel joy during the winter?

The gradual lowering of snow, allowing light to enter his home Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do to try to keep warm during the harsh winter conditions?

Stuffing chinks and padding himself with clothing and materials from his home Signup and view all the answers

What intensifies as Abel endures the harshness of winter?

His longing for home and loved ones Signup and view all the answers

What is evident throughout the text regarding Abel's emotions?

His loneliness and yearning for companionship and comfort Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel reminisce about during the harsh winter?

The coziness of home and the warmth of the indoors Signup and view all the answers

What consumes Abel's thoughts during the harsh winter?

His distant loved ones, including his mate, parents, sisters, brothers, and friends Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the text?

Abel's struggle to survive and his deep longing for warmth, companionship, and home Signup and view all the answers

What does the text depict regarding Abel's feelings?

His loneliness and yearning for companionship and comfort Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel long for during the harsh winter?

Companionship and the comfort of home Signup and view all the answers

What is evident about Abel's struggle during the harsh winter?

His sickness and weakness due to the cold and wind Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel's loneliness and yearning for companionship and comfort indicate?

His emotional struggle during the harsh winter Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do when he encounters the obese, elderly frog?

He runs over to the frog and beams with delight at hearing civilized speech again Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the obese, elderly frog that Abel encounters?

Gower Glackens Signup and view all the answers

How does Abel feel about shaking hands with Gower the frog?

He had never enjoyed shaking hands with his frog friends, but he enjoyed grasping Gower's hand Signup and view all the answers

How does the frog, Gower Glackens, react upon encountering Abel?

He flops over on his back, legs and arms outstretched, and splutters some disconnected words Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel find when he arrives home?

His home exactly as he left it Signup and view all the answers

Where does Abel find Amanda when he arrives in Grover Park?

Sitting on a stone bench Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's initial reaction upon seeing Amanda in Grover Park?

He observes her from a distance Signup and view all the answers

How does Abel feel upon reuniting with Amanda?

Excited and affectionate Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after reuniting with Amanda?

Dresses in his best clothes and eagerly awaits Amanda's return Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's emotional state upon Amanda's return home?

Overjoyed and shocked Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do upon recognizing Mt. Eunice?

He realizes he's close to home and eagerly heads there Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel reveal about his vocation?

He has not found his vocation yet Signup and view all the answers

How does Abel confront the cat in the tree?

He confronts the cat, causing her to fall from the tree and flee Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower attribute Amanda's charm to?

The magic of love Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do when he arrives in Grover Park?

He observes townsfolk and recognizes familiar faces Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower observe about the river's current?

It has calmed, indicating it may be time for him to leave the island Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's attitude towards the cat's behavior?

He reflects on the cat's behavior and his own role as a mouse Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel complete, which he is proud of and wishes to show to Amanda?

A statue of Gower Signup and view all the answers

What is Abel's initial reaction upon recognizing Mt. Eunice?

He is overjoyed and realizes he's close to home Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower suggest about Abel's vocation?

He has found his vocation in sculpting Signup and view all the answers

How does Abel feel about reuniting with Amanda?

Excited and affectionate Signup and view all the answers

What is Gower's plan once he regains his strength and the river's current subsides?

To leave the island Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gower dismiss Abel's idea of a rope bridge?

Due to its impracticality Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel learn about Gower's life while sculpting his statue?

Gower's musical talents and family Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower observe about the river's condition as his departure appears imminent?

The river's condition has improved Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower's contemplative nature and observation of the river indicate?

His readiness to depart Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel express admiration for?

His wife, Amanda, and her poetry Signup and view all the answers

What does Gower attribute Amanda's charm to?

The magic of love Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel reflect on after reaching the other side of the river?

His past year in solitude and reuniting with Amanda and his family Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel encounter after waking up in the natural vault?

A cat staring at him Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel experience after being attacked and carried away by the cat?

Terror and questions the cruelty of life Signup and view all the answers

Where does Abel find shelter after seeing his island from a distance?

In a natural vault Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after reflecting on his past year in solitude?

Falls asleep in a natural vault Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel see from a distance before finding shelter in a natural vault?

His island Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel feel after eventually reaching the other side of the river?

Overwhelming joy Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel encounter vague apprehensions about?

What he will find at home Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after waking up in the natural vault?

Finds a cat staring at him Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after encountering vague apprehensions about what he will find at home?

Swims across the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel reflect on after being attacked and carried away by the cat?

The cruelty of life Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel face after encountering vague apprehensions about what he will find at home?

Terror and questions the cruelty of life Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after becoming increasingly desperate for rescue?

He hopes for a drought to lower the river so he can swim across Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel use to try to communicate his need for rescue?

Smoke signals and messages down the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel long for as he watches the river's water levels decrease?

A drought to lower the river so he can swim across Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do to keep busy while waiting for rescue?

He eats various plants and starts making sculptures and drawings Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Abel have about Gower's actions after waiting for weeks?

Gower may have forgotten about him after successfully crossing the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel hope for to aid his potential escape from the island?

A drought to lower the river's water levels Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel become increasingly desperate for as time passes?

Rescue and reuniting with Amanda Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel observe as the text ends?

The river's diminished flow and dry rocks appearing where water used to be Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do to try to attract attention for rescue?

Sends messages down the river Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel realize about the lack of rescue after weeks of waiting?

No one comes to rescue Abel Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel become increasingly desperate for as time passes?

Rescue and reuniting with Amanda Signup and view all the answers

What does Abel do after realizing that Gower may have forgotten about him?

Tries to send smoke signals and messages down the river Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stranded on an Island

Abel's second attempt to navigate the stream fails, and his boat shatters on a rock
He resolves to build a catamaran using sticks and oars, but it also fails to conquer the river
Abel realizes his marooned situation and contemplates crossing the river without a boat
He considers tunneling under the river but dismisses the idea due to potential risks
Instead, he decides to construct a bridge of some sort, feeling hopeful and exploring the island
The island is described as familiar with rocks, trees, and wildlife, and Abel estimates its size
Abel longs to communicate with wild birds and feels resentful and bored with his predicament
He wishes to be back home with his wife and elegant possessions, but realizes he may have to spend more than one night on the island
Despite his boredom, Abel is confident in finding food on the island from edible plants and insects

Abel's Harsh Winter

Abel wishes for misfortune to befall itself, including turning into lead, becoming blind, and sinking in quicksand.
Abel spends most of January and February indoors due to a great blizzard and cold weather.
Abel's days are uncounted, and his main occupation is finding and eating food in the dark.
The snow gradually lowers, allowing light to enter Abel's home, bringing him joy.
Despite the arrival of spring, February brings even harsher winter conditions, making Abel shiver uncontrollably.
Abel attempts to keep warm by stuffing chinks and padding himself with clothing and materials from his home.
The cold and wind persist, making Abel sick and weak, leading to resentment and longing for the comfort of home.
Abel reminisces about the coziness of home, imagining his loved ones and the warmth of the indoors.
Abel's thoughts are consumed by his distant loved ones, including his mate, parents, sisters, brothers, and friends.
Abel's longing for home and loved ones intensifies as he endures the harshness of winter.
Abel's loneliness and yearning for companionship and comfort are evident throughout the text.
The text portrays Abel's struggle to survive and his deep longing for warmth, companionship, and home.

Abel's Wait for Rescue

Abel and Gower discuss Gower's worries about his family and his impending departure
Gower promises to return with help and to contact Amanda at 89 Bank Street, Mossville
Gower goes into a trance and then bids farewell to Abel before swimming away
Abel waits for Gower's rescue crew while keeping busy with art and survival
He eats various plants and starts making sculptures and drawings
Despite waiting for weeks, no one comes to rescue Abel
Abel realizes that Gower may have forgotten about him after successfully crossing the river
Abel tries to send smoke signals and messages down the river, but no help arrives
He hopes for a drought to lower the river so he can swim across, while constantly thinking of Amanda
Abel's longing for Amanda intensifies as he watches the river's water levels decrease
Abel becomes increasingly desperate for rescue and yearns to be reunited with Amanda
The text ends with Abel observing the river's diminished flow and dry rocks appearing where water used to be

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Description

Experience the journey of Abel as he faces various challenges, from being stranded on an island to enduring harsh winters and waiting for rescue. Explore the themes of survival, resilience, longing, and hope in this compelling literary quiz.