The Tales of the Shaman's Apprentice Ch. 6

Questions and Answers

What country(ies) did Plotkin visit in Chapter 6?

Brazil

What animal bit Plotkin the night he arrived by plane?

Vampire bat

Describe the savanna.

Grassland with few trees, hot from the equatorial sun

What did Plotkin almost encounter when he swam in the river?

Electric eel Signup and view all the answers

Why did Plotkin's guide, Kamainja, want to turn back when they were almost to the Palu village?

It was overrun by Brazilian soldiers Signup and view all the answers

Describe the effect of the missionaries on the Palu village.

The people prayed and are Christian. They wore clothes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the history of rubber and coffee are similar.

Rubber stolen from Britain. Coffee stolen from Ethiopia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

It marked the Spanish and Portuguese borders in the New World. Signup and view all the answers

Name three things wrong with the white peasant's garden, according to the natives.

<ol> <li>Plants were too close together; 2. No shade from bigger plants for bugs to lay eggs; 3. Fenced in</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the peasant farmer and his wife treated Plotkin.

Kindly and gave him lots of their food even though they didn't have much. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brazil and Arrival

Plotkin visited Brazil, highlighting the cultural and environmental diversity of the region.
Upon arrival, he was bitten by a vampire bat, emphasizing the wild nature of the area.

Environment and Wildlife

The savanna is characterized as a grassland with minimal tree cover, exposing it to the intense heat of the equatorial sun.
While swimming in the river, Plotkin almost encountered an electric eel, showcasing the potential dangers of local wildlife.

Village Encounter

Kamainja, Plotkin’s guide, expressed concern about advancing towards Palu village due to its occupation by Brazilian soldiers.

Impact of Missionaries

The arrival of missionaries resulted in significant changes within Palu village, leading to the adoption of Christianity and traditional clothing by the people.

Historical Context

The histories of rubber and coffee are intertwined as both were taken from their origins: rubber from Britain and coffee from Ethiopia, illustrating colonial exploitation.

Treaty of Tordesillas

This treaty established the borders between Spanish and Portuguese territories in the New World, shaping the political landscape of South America.

Native Perspectives on Agriculture

Natives critiqued a white peasant's garden for:
- Overcrowding of plants, impacting growth.
- Lack of shade for insect breeding, affecting ecological balance.
- Being fenced in, restricting natural animal movement.

Hospitality of Local Farmers

Plotkin received kind treatment from a peasant farmer and his wife, who generously shared their limited food resources, exemplifying their cultural value that "a gift is a gift."

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 6 from 'The Tales of the Shaman's Apprentice'. This flashcard quiz covers key elements such as Plotkin's adventures, the landscapes he encountered, and the wildlife that surprised him. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this captivating chapter.