The Crow-Child
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
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Question
Use the story to answer the question.
How can readers tell Cora is a complex character?
(1 point)
Responses
which answer is correct and why
Her family is the focus of the plot.
Her family is the focus of the plot.
Her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem.
Her actions drive the plot forward by causing the main story problem.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
She has more dialogue than any other character in the story.
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
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1 answer
The correct answer is: She has the most to lose if the story problem is not solved.
This response highlights Cora's complexity as a character. As an almost motherly figure to her younger brother Ruky, her stakes in the story are high; if the story problem threatens their safety, happiness, or well-being, she has the most to lose. This aspect of her character development adds depth and emotional weight to her role in the narrative, showcasing her responsibilities and the impact of her decisions.
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