Test: Hiawatha - Class 4 MCQ

In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha', Hiawatha lives with his grandmother, Nokomis. She teaches him the ways of their people and plays a significant role in his upbringing.

Nokomis is depicted as a nurturing figure who imparts essential knowledge and values to Hiawatha, including:

• Traditional stories and legends
• The importance of nature and its elements
• Skills necessary for survival, such as hunting and fishing
• Lessons of wisdom and respect for all living beings

Through her teachings, Hiawatha learns to understand his heritage and the world around him. This foundation is crucial for his development as a leader and a hero in the poem.

In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha', Hiawatha refers to animals as his brothers. This reflects his deep connection with nature and the creatures within it.

This idea is consistent with the broader context of Native American traditions, which often emphasise harmony with the natural world.

• Hiawatha's reference to animals highlights his respect for all living beings.
• It illustrates the theme of interconnectedness in nature.
• Such beliefs are common in many Indigenous cultures, promoting a sense of kinship with wildlife.

Therefore, Hiawatha called the animals 'Hiawatha brothers'.

The correct answer is 'secrets' because it completes the sentence to form a coherent phrase. This phrase is commonly used in contexts where both identifying someone and uncovering hidden information are implied.

Hiawatha and his grandmother lived in a wigwam, which was a traditional dwelling for certain Native American groups.

The rabbit is described as timid because it:

• Hesitates
• Appears nervous

This behaviour is depicted in the poem.

Squirrels are known to hide acorns as part of their food storage behaviour. They prepare for winter by burying nuts in various spots. This is a common example of animal instinct and preparation for survival during colder months when food is scarce.

• Squirrels hide acorns to store food.
• This behaviour helps them prepare for winter.
• They bury nuts in various locations.
• This instinct is crucial for survival during colder months.
• Food becomes scarce when winter arrives.

The poem 'The Song of Hiawatha' was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet known for his lyrical works and contributions to American literature.

Published in 1855, it is based on Native American legends and remains one of his most celebrated compositions.

Hiawatha, a Native American leader celebrated in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'The Song of Hiawatha', is known for uniting tribes through love and compassion. Thus, the sentence correctly uses 'love' to describe his actions.

• Hiawatha is a legendary figure from Native American history, specifically associated with the Iroquois Confederacy.
• He is often depicted as a peacemaker who united different tribes and is celebrated in various stories and poems.
• Hiawatha is not a "red Indian boy" in a literal sense; rather, he represents the cultural and historical heritage of Native Americans.
• His story emphasizes themes of unity, peace, and cooperation among tribes.

Hiawatha is often depicted in folklore as having the ability to communicate with animals and birds, symbolising his deep connection with nature and his role as a teacher to his people.

This aligns with option A, which correctly identifies these elements from the stories about him.