The Old Woman Who Lived With the Wolves

The Old Woman Who Lived With the Wolves by Chief Luther Standing Bear Review

1. What is one reason that the Sioux move from place to place? • One reason the Sioux people move is to find grass for their ponies.

2. Why do the Sioux feel that wherever they settle is home? • They move with their tipis and their families.

3. How does the move cause conflict for young Marpiyawin? • She loses her dog.

4. In the story, why can you infer that Marpiyawin is very independent? • She leaves the village without telling anyone.

5. How does Marpiyawin come into conflict with nature? • Marpiyawin comes into conflict with nature when she is trapped by a blizzard.

6. Which clue in the story leads you to infer that Marpiyawin believes in her dreams? • She is not afraid of the wolves when she wakes up.

7. What does Marpiyawin smell when she comes back to her village? • She smells the odor of humans.

8. What do Marpiyawin’s people think when they first see the wolves at the top of the hill? • Marpiyawin has been in great danger.

9. Why does Marpiyawin give the wolves meat to eat? • She wants to thank them for helping her.

10. What are two words that would describe Marpiyawin’s relationship with the wolves at the end of the story? • She is fond and respectful of the wolves.

11. Why do the Sioux people travel in “The Old Woman Who Lived With the Wolves”? • They seek pure water, pure air, and a clean place for their tipis.

12. What internal conflict does Marpiyawin face after the wolves lead her back to her people? • She is sad to say good-bye to the wolves, but she wants to rejoin her people.

13. What information do the wolves share with Marpiyawin after she returns to her people? • The wolves warn Marpiyawin when bad weather and enemies are coming.

trespass • To go on another’s land without permission

coaxed • Persuaded by gentle urging

traversed • Went across

scarce • Not enough to satisfy a need

mystified • Perplexed; bewildered

offensive • unpleasant

14. An ____ inference is a logical assumption you develop about information that is not directly stated.

15. To make an inference, combine text clues with your prior _____, knowledge or what ____ you already know.

Text-Based Question • The Sioux people and Marpiyawin feel a certain way about wolves at the beginning of “The Old Woman Who Lived With the Wolves. ” Their feelings have changed by the end of the story. In an essay, describe the attitude of Marpiyawin and her people toward the wolves. Using details from the story, explain how and why those attitudes change.

Text-Based Question • Student essays should point out that at the beginning of the story, the Sioux are wary and distrustful of wolves. Marpiyawin feels the same way until she has her dream. The dream tells her to trust the wolves. Students should note that the wolves’ kindness toward Marpiyawin reinforces the trust in them that she gained through her vision. Her people change their attitude when they realize that the wolves saved Marpiyawin.