The way the author presents the cultural setting helps the reader understand the significance of the story’s lesson better by reinforcing how deeply Ruky and Cora rely on each other. The description of their life as orphans living in isolation in the cottage, surrounded by a dark forest and a bright lake, highlights their close bond and the unique circumstances of their upbringing. Since they do not have parents or a broader community to rely on, their relationship becomes essential for their emotional and physical well-being. This reliance is critical to understanding the dynamics of their interactions and the challenges they face.
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 illtempered.
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.
1 of 16
A)
Use the passage to answer the question.
How might the way the author presents the
cultural setting help the reader understand
the significance of the story’s lesson better?
(1 point)
It explains why Cora gets so frustrated
with Ruky’s behavior.
It shows how sibling relationships vary
in different places
It reinforces how deeply Ruky and Cora
rely on each other.
It implies there is nowhere for Cora to
go to find help.
1 answer