The Crow-Child

Question

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 do Cora’s motivations advance the plot?

(1 point)
Responses

Her desire to punish her brother for annoying her sets the main plot in motion.
Her desire to punish her brother for annoying her sets the main plot in motion.

Her desire to get her brother back sets the main plot in motion.
Her desire to get her brother back sets the main plot in motion.

Her desire to be a better sister leads her to take actions that resolve the plot.
Her desire to be a better sister leads her to take actions that resolve the plot.

Her desire to get her brother back leads to actions that resolve the plot.
Her desire to get her brother back leads to actions that resolve the plot.

Answer 1

Cora’s motivations advance the plot primarily through her desire to get her brother back, which leads to actions that resolve the plot. This is reflected in her protective nature towards Ruky and the need to ensure his safety and well-being, especially given their circumstances as orphans living alone. Her actions driven by this desire ultimately drive the story forward, leading to key developments and resolutions in the narrative. Therefore, the correct response is:

Her desire to get her brother back leads to actions that resolve the plot.