CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD by Avinorthrop.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/crispin_student_guide_wordversion.d… · Web viewCrispin The Cross of Lead by Avi Synopsis. ... He meets a juggler,

CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD by Avi

Crispin The Cross of Lead by Avi SynopsisTopic: Life in the Middle Ages; Fourteenth Century England; Feudalism; MysterySetting: Place: Stromford, Wexly in EnglandTime: 1377Principal Characters:Crispin (Asta’s son) a young peasant boyAsta his motherFather Quinel the village priestOrson Hrothgar (Bear) a juggler who travels round the countryside.John Aycliffe steward of Lord Furnival’s holdings; kin to Lady Furnival.Lord Furnival lord of the manor: a wealthy noble.John Ball a man who believes the peasants should rebel.Widow Daventry keeper of The Green Man Inn, Wexly

Synopsis of the Novel:Following his mother’s funeral, Crispin sees John Aycliffe meeting secretly with another man. When they see him, Aycliffe attempt s to kill him. Later, Crispin is declared a thief. Father Quinel tells Crispin his life is in danger and he should flee, so he will assist him to do this. He tells Crispin his mother was literate and had him baptized. This was very unusual for a poor peasant. When Crispin goes to meet Father Quinel later that night he is led into a trap and finds the priest’s body. Crispin escapes Aycliffe’s men and flees into the countryside, with his only possession a lead cross that belonged to his mother. He meets a juggler, Bear, who hides a generous nature under a fierce appearance. He realizes that there is a mystery surrounding Crispin, but does not tell the boy what it is. They go to the town of Wexly, where they learn of the death of Lord Furnival. Bear is working for a group of men who are encouraging the peasants to revolt against the nobility for better conditions and fairer taxes. When Crispin enters the cathedral in Wexly he is seen by John Aycliffe, so he is again in danger. Bear explains to him that the writing on the cross says, Crispin - son of Furnival.” This means that he is the illegitimate son of Lord Furnival and could be used by unscrupulous people to gain Lord Furnival’s estates. That is why Aycliffe wants him dead. Bear is captured at a meeting with John Ball, and Crispin goes to rescue him. He undertakes to leave Wexly and give up all claim to the name of Lord Furnival if Aycliffe will release Bear. Aycliffe agrees, but as they are about to leave the city, he breaks his word and orders them arrested. Bear seizes Aycliffe and kills him. Crispin places the crucifix that proves his birth on Aycliffe’s body and he and Bear leave the city.

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Name____________________ Date________Student Study Guide

Crispin The Cross of Lead by Avi

Topic: Life in the Middle Ages; Fourteenth Century England; Feudalism; MysterySetting(Place): Stromford, Wexly in England Time: 1377Principal Characters: Crispin (Asta’s son) a young peasant boy Asta his mother

Father Quinel the village priest Orson Hrothgar (Bear) a juggler who travels round the countryside.

John Aycliffe steward of Lord Furnival’s holdings; kin to Lady Furnival. Lord Furnival lord of the manor: a wealthy noble. John Ball a man who believes the peasants should rebel. Widow Daventry keeper of The Green Man Inn, Wexly

Crispin The Cross of Lead by Avi Chapters 1 – 6

VocabularyWe will discuss the meaning of these words before you read. Vocabulary Word Wizard: Find word in chapters, write the page number and sentence you found it in. Be prepared to discuss word meaning in Lit. Circle.

shunned transgression

mercenary wars strident

wattle and daub transfixed

B. Read Chapters 1 to 6.

C. Understanding the Novel

Answer the following questions in complete sentences IN YOUR NOTEBOOK. Refer to the novel if necessary. Be prepared to support your answers!

1. Why did Asta’s son have to take the ox to the manor house?2. What happened when John Aycliffe saw Asta’s son in the woods?3. What food did Asta and her son eat?4. Asta’s son wanted to return to his home, but was unable to do this. Why?5. Why does Asta’s son decide to go to Father Quinel for help?

D. Thinking About the NovelThese questions ask for your ideas and opinions. Therefore there are no incorrect answers. As always, you must, however give reasons and justify your answers.

1. Explain why being a villein or surf in medieval times was like being a slave.2. What have you learned about medieval life in a small village from the first fewchapters of the novel? List five or six things.

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 7 to 10

A. VocabularyUse a dictionary if you do not understand the meaning of these words.

conviction tyrant sanctuary

pondered sullenly foreboding

disquiet

B. Read Chapters 7 to 10

C. Understanding the NovelAnswer the following sentences IN YOUR NOTEBOOK, referring to the novel if necessary.

1. Asta’s son is accused of theft, but most villagers do not believe he stole the money. How do we know this?2. What news did Sir Richard du Brey bring to John Aycliffe?3. Asta had kept many things secret from her son. What were these?4. Crispin had been proclaimed “a wolf’s head.” What did this mean?5. How did Crispin walk into the trap set by John Aycliffe?

D. Thinking About the Novel.There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but you must justify yourresponses by giving reasons for them.

1. Why do you think Crispin was surprised to discover that he had been baptized and had a name, and that his mother could read and write?2. Would you have trusted Cerdic when he said Father Quinel had asked him to take Crispin to Goodwife’s Peregrine’s cottage? Why or why not?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 11 to 15

A. VocabularyWhat do these words and phrases mean? Look them up if you do not know.imbedded tumult

gross exaggeration folly

direblighted sustenance

pestilence millrace


C. Understanding the NovelAnswer these questions in complete sentences IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.

1. Explain how Crispin escaped from Aycliffe and his men.2. The sight of the man hanging from the gallows had a deep effect on Crispin. Explain this.3. How did Crispin feel when he first sighted the hamlet or small village?4. What did Crispin find when he entered the hamlet?

D. Thinking About the NovelRemember to justify your responses to these questions.

1. How would you feel if you were in Crispin’s place at this point in the novel?2. What do you think Crispin will do next? Why? What would you do?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 16 to 20

A. Vocabularygarbed raucously

evasively tyranny

treason prudencedefault

pate endured lamenting


C. Understanding the Novel1. In spite of his fears, Crispin decides to investigate the singing that comes from the church. Why does he do this?2. What is Orson Hrothgar’s nickname, and how did he come by it?3. Bear makes Crispin take a vow. What is the vow? Why does Crispin take it?4. How does Bear find food?

D. Thinking About the Novel1. What are you first impressions of the character, Bear? Give reasons for youranswer.2. Crispin accepts Bear as his new master without any argument. Why do you think he does this?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 21 to 24

A. Vocabularyrummaged punctilious mummer

complied jeopardy abated

remorse livery desolation

vexed


C. Understanding the Novel1. Bear was studying to become a priest, but he left the monastery. Why?2. Why did Bear tie Crispin to a tree when he went to find some food?3. What was Bear’s opinion of Lord Furnival?4. Bear told Crispin that he should be less sorrowful and try to be happier.What were his reasons for saying this?5. What was Bear’s reaction when he saw Crispin’s lead cross?

D. Thinking About the Novel

1. Bear said to Crispin,“ . . . . . . only questions keep you living.”What did he mean? Do you agree or disagree with him?2. How have Crispin’s feelings about Bear changed form the first time that he met him. Why have they changed?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 25 – 29

A. Vocabularyreverence insignificant grisly

prosper meandered

emblazoned monotony

apprehend hazard


C. Understanding the Novel1. Bear helped Crispin to change his appearance. How did he do this?2. What did Bear want Crispin to do while he was juggling and singing?3. How did Bear know that there were men guarding the bridge?4. Why was Crispin reluctant to give Bear the lead cross?5. What was Bear doing, as well as juggling, as he traveled around the country?


1. What do you think was written on the cross?2. Bear said to Crispin,“ . . . . . .Think what you might become if you were cleaned ofthirteen years of dirt, neglect and servitude.”What do you think he meant by this?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 30 to 33

A. Vocabularyscrutinize penance mazer

dexterity malevolencenotorious

abundance irate awe



1. Did everyone in the village of Lodgecot enjoy Bear’s juggling? Explain.2. How did Crispin learn of another crime he was supposed to have committed inStromford?3. Crispin learns to handle weapons and make snares for hunting food.Why does he do this?4. Bear says he will take Crispin on as an apprentice. Why does he want to do this?5. Bear and Crispin are very cautious as they approach the gates of Wexly. Why?


1. When Bear tells Crispin he will take him on as an apprentice, Crispin feels that he has been given good things “in abundance.”What has he been given or found that make him feel this in the time since he leftStromford?2. What is meant by the word “servile?” Bear says that people who act in a servile manner are often treated badly. Do you agree or disagree with his opinion? Give examples to support your opinion.

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 34 to 38

Vocabulary

timorous palpable

cacophony tweaked slake

brazenly beguiled celestial



1. How did Bear and Crispin avoid inspection by the guards at the gate?2. Bear was aware of the death of Lord Furnival. How did he know this?3. What was special about the room given to Bear and Crispin at The Green Man.4. What was Crispin’s first impression of Wexly?5. What happened when Crispin went into the cathedral in the center of town?


1. Bear seemed uncomfortable when discussing the death of Lord Furnival and his inheritance. Why do you think this might be?2. Make a list of things that Crispin saw for the very first time in Wexly.

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 39 to 43

Vocabularyencircled apprehensive curfew

tonsured reluctant admonished



1. Crispin’s plan to escape form Wexly was unsuccessful. Why was this?2. Crispin was curious about John Ball, the man Bear had arranged to meet at TheGreen Man.3. Crispin felt he should warn Bear of imminent danger. What danger was this?4. What did Widow Daventry ask Crispin to do for Bear?


1. Why did towns, such as Wexly, have a curfew in medieval times?Would such a thing be practical today? Why or why not?2. John Ball was a leader of the Peasants’ Revolt. Do you think such as revolt was justified? Do you think the revolt would be successful? Give reasons for youranswer.

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 44 – 48

A. Vocabularyfurtively corrupt

precaution livery

disconsolate diminished



1. Bear warned Crispin to stay at the inn, but he disobeyed. Why did he do this?2. John Ball was one of the leaders of the Peasants’ Revolt. What did he want for the peasants?3. Why was Bear the only one captured by Aycliffe’s men?4. How did Crispin avoid capture when Aycliffe’s men came to the Green Man Inn?5. What did Widow Daventry advise Crispin to do? Why?


1. Consider John Ball’s list of demands. Do you think they were reasonable?Compare this list with the rights enjoyed by people today. Comment.2. If such a list were to be made today, what would you want to put on the list? Why?

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 49 to 54

A. Vocabularywedlock infatuated claimant

agape fragmentary bondage

scabrous revelation

imploring breach



1. What was written on the cross of lead?2. Why does Lord Furnival’s death put Crispin ‘s life in danger?3. How does Widow Daventry help Crispin?4. Crispin does not leave Wexly. Where does he go instead? Why?5. How does Crispin gain entry to the Furnival palace?


1. What did you learn about the treatment of women, in medieval times, from these chapters?2. Widow Daventry said that Bear had been more of a father to Crispin than LordFurnival ever had. Do you agree? Give examples form the novel to support yourargument.

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Name____________________ Date________


Chapters 56 to 58

A. Vocabularyremnants voracious

illumination disdain wrath

emotionsgawked vexed

impaled unfettered



1. Crispin saw a painting of his father on the altar in the chapel at the palace.Crispin prayed that Lord Furnival would be judged for what he really was, not what the portrait showed him to be. What is meant by this statement?2. What bargain did Crispin and John Aycliffe make?3. Bear has had a hard time walking when he leaves the dungeon. Why is this?4. John Aycliffe does not keep his vow. What happens as a result of this?5. Explain how Crispin keeps his part of the bargain.


1. What do you think of Crispin’s decision to trust Aycliffe? Why do you think Crispin trusted him? Would you have trusted him?2. Do you think Crispin will keep his vow? Why?

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ANSWER KEY CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD by AviReading and ComprehensionChapters 1 – 6

1. To pay the death taxes.2. Aycliffe chased Crispin and tried to kill him.3. Barley bread, watered ale, cooked dried peas and, very rarely, meat.4. The house was pulled down.5. His mother had trusted Father Quinel, and he had been kind.

Chapters 7- 10

1. He overheard Luke and Matthew, who were searching for him, say that no one in the village believed Asta’s son had committed the crimes.2. Lord Furnival had returned from the wars, but was sick and would probably die.3. a) he had been baptized and his name was Crispin.2. His mother had told him his father was dead.3. His mother could read and write.4. It meant that anyone could kill him, without penalty.5. Cerdic mislead him by telling him to travel to the north.

Chapters 11 – 15

A. Crispin fell into the millrace, then crossed the open ground away from the river.B. He was horrified, but realized that he did not want to die.C. He hoped to find people who would treat him well.D. The village was desertd. He found bodies, and thought that plague had killed or driven away the inhabitants.

Chapters 16 – 20

1. He needs food. He thought that evil spirits would not dare to enter a church, therefore the voice must be human.2. He is called Bear because of his size and the two sides to his nature: gentle and vicious.3. He says Crispin has run away from a master, and since Bear caught him, he will now be Crispin’s master. Crispin has always had a master, so he promises not to leave Bear.

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4. He sometimes hunts and traps birds and small animals. He is a juggler and performs in towns and villages. He uses the money he earns to buy food.

Crispin The Cross of Lead by Avi Continued…Answers Comprehension

Chapters 21 – 24

1. The music, tricks and laughter of the mummers fascinated him, so he left themonastery and traveled with them.2. Bear didn’t yet trust Crispin. He thought the boy might run away, and he didn’t want him to interfere with his hunt for food.3. Bear thought Lord Furnival was cruel and unjust. He was arrogant and seemed to enjoy bragging, drinking and killing.4.5. Bear said that sorrowful people are shunned. People liked to be with those who are happy. If Crispin stopped thinking about his sadness he would gain his freedom.6. Bear said the cross was useless. It was made to give comfort to those sick and dying during outbreaks of plague.

Chapters 25 – 291. Bear made Crispin wash, then cut his hair.2. Bear wanted Crispin to play the recorder. He taught the boy to play.3. The pigeons were flying about and had obviously been disturbed.4. Crispin thought that Bear might destroy the cross.5. Bear took note of what was happening and passed this information on to a secret society.

Chapters 30 - 331. No, the one-eyed youth seemed angry, then suspicious.2. The village priest told everyone about a youth who had killed a priest, and a reward was offered for his capture or death.3. The weapons were for defence, and the snares to catch food, in case he should ever find himself alone.4. Bear says that Crispin reminds him of himself as a boy, and he cares for him.5. They see armed guards at the gate and on the walls. They are obviously looking for someone.

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Chapters 34 - 381. Crispin played the recorder and Bear danced as they went through the gate. Peopleand the guards were distracted.2. Black cloth was draped around buildings in the town.3. The room had a secret hiding place in the wall.4. Answers may vary. It was crowded, noisy, colorful and smelt terrible. There weremany tall buildings and an abundance of things to buy.5. Crispin saw John Aycliffe, who recognized him.

Chapters 39 - 431. The gates were closed and a curfew was enforced.2. Answers may vary. He was a priest and was leading a rebellion of some kind. Hewanted more freedom for poor people.3. Crispin saw the one-eyed man searching the crowds at the Green Man Inn.4. She said Crispin should persuade Bear to concentrate on his music and juggling, and should not associate with troublemakers.

Chapters 44 - 481. Crispin saw the one-eyed man again, and he was accompanied by a man wearing Lord Furnival’s livery, so he went to warn Bear.2. Answers may vary.a) The annual land rent should be held at four pennies an acre.b) Unfair taxes should be abolished.c) Laws should be made by the consent of all people.d) The King should reign over all, but there should be no corruptparliaments or counsellorse) The Church should be purged of corrupt priests and bishops.3. Bear helped everyone in the inn to escape from Aycliffe’s men.4. Crispin his in the secret hiding place in his room at The Green Man.5 She told Crispin to escape form the town, because Bear might be tortured to revealCrispin’s whereabouts.

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Chapters 49 - 541. The writing on the cross said: Crispin - son of Furnival.2. People, including his mother’s father, might want to use him to lay claim to Lord Furnival’s estates and wealth.3. She arranges for someone to lead him out of Wexly after curfew.4. Crispin goes to the White Stag Inn. He wants to tell John Ball about Bear’s capture,and hopes that he will help rescue Bear.5. Crispin climbs the wall to the second floor balcony.

Chapters 55 - 581. The portrait showed Lord furnival to be devout and kind, but Crispin knew he was none of these things.2. Aycliffe will release Bear and allow them to leave Wexly if Crispin will renounce all rights to the Furnival name and estates. Crispin also has to give the cross to Aycliffe.3. Bear has been whipped, beaten and tortured.4. Aycliffe tells the guards at the gate that Crispin has been declared a wolf’s head. However, bear attacks Aycliffe and kills him.5. Crispin places the lead cross on Aycliffe’s body, then he and Bear leave Wexlytogether.

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CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD by Avinorthrop.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/crispin_student_guide_wordversion.d… · Web viewCrispin The Cross of Lead by Avi Synopsis. ... He meets a juggler,