Crispin and the Cross of Lead by Avi

Chapters 1 - 5

Describe the lif that Crispen leads.  What details do you know about his father?

Vocabulary:

shroud (1)

taunt (2)

pauper (2)

cloying (5)

wince (6)

transfixed (8)

pinnacle (16)

Chapters 6 - 10

If Asta could read and write, then why would she keep it secret?  Who could Crispen's father have been?

Vocabulary:

lunacy (24)

santuary (28)

distraught (31)

revelation (36)

Chapters 11 - 16

What do you know of the Plague that affected England?  List and facts or details you know, or questions that you have?

Vocabulary:

tormant (50)

timid (52)

contort (55)

pillage (56)

trepidation (58)

pestilence (59)

Chapters 17 - 21

What skills does Bear have?  Where did he learn them?  How does he use them?

Vocabulary:

putrid (69)

brandish (70)

resent (73)

thrash (76)

scorn (78)

lament (80)

servile (82)

Chapters 22 - 26

Describe the relationship between Crispen and Bear.  Is it an equal partnership?  Is it fair?

Vocabulary:

secluded (88)

jeopardy (89)

abate (90)

mirth (97)

denounce (100)

vex (101)

reverence (103)

Chapters 27 - 31

How would you respond if you were unfairly accused of the crimes that Crispen has?  What would you do about it?

Vocabulary:

ghastly (107)

revel (109)

agitate (111)

reluctant (117)

apprehend (119)

humility (126)

Chapters 32 - 35

How will the death of Lord Furnival affect our story?  Will it change the actions of John Aycliffe?

Vocabulary:

rueful (136)

disquiet (139)

irate (141)

timorous (145)

cacophany (147)

smote (152)

Chapters 36 - 39

Was it foolish for Crispen to have left the room?  What ill came from it?  What good?

Vocabulary:

brazen (158)

tumultuous (160)

beguile (169)

devout (168)

laggard (175)

Chapters 40 - 45

Why would Bear and John Ball be punished for saying the things they have about the government and church?

Vocabulary:

threshold (187)

haste (189)

admonish (191)

Chapters 46 - 51

As you understand it, explain why Lady Furnival wants Crispen dead.

Vocabulary:

disconsolate (208)

lapse (214)

fragment (221)

Chapters 52 - 55

Why does Crispen return to the manor?  What is he hoping to do?

Vocabulary:

smolder (232)

implore (232)

exalted (239)

Chapters 56 - 58

How is the story concluded?  What choices does Crispen make about his future?  Do you agree with his choices?

Vocabulary:

dissain (240)

swarthy (240)

stagnant (248)

implore (260)