Name_________________________
Date________________
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Reading Questions
We will have a Socratic Seminar discussion on Crispin on Friday, April 17. In order
to be a prepared participant, please answer the following questions thoroughly as
you read the book.
Chapters 1-7
1. What was the daily life of a serf life? Find evidence from the text. 5 quotes
and page numbers
Chapter 8
2. Father Quinel reveals three things in this chapter. What are they?
Chapter 14
3. Crispin has a horrible experience. What is it and how does it affect him?
Chapter 15
4. The effects of a historic event are seen in this chapter. Cite evidence about
what happened in the village. 3 quotes and page numbers.
Chapters 16-19
5. After Crispin gives his sacred oath to Bear, he regrets it, thinking it “far better
to have died on the road”. What causes him to think his fate is so bleak? Why
does he believe he must keep his oath? What does that tell you about his
character?
6. Crispin is confused by Bear claiming it is best to “live by questions,” not by
answers. What do you think he means by that? Do you think Crispin is living
by answers before this scene? Find quotes to support your response.
Chapters 34-36
7. Great Wexley is described here. Find 4 quotes that describe the place. What
do you think of a medieval town?
Chapters 37-39
8. According to Cripsin, Lady Furnivel was an “amazing sight”. Find 3 quotes
that support his opinion.
Chapters 40-43
9. Why did Crispin disobey Bear? What was Bear’s reaction?
Chapters 44-46
10. What does John Ball say? Cite two quotes and explain. What does Crispin
think about his words?
Name_________________________
Date________________
Chapters 47-52
11. We learn the truth about Crispin’s father. Find clues from previous chapters
that we were given by the author.
12. Crispin had time to think about about his parents, Bear, Father Quinel and
others in these chapters. What conclusions did he reach?
Chapters 57-58
13. Crispin changed greatly since the start of the story. Find quotes that show
his change. Explain how he is different from the beginning.
14. Explain why Crispin removed the cross of lead from his neck and laid it on
Aycliffe’s body.
15. Make a chart to compare and contrast Crispin’s attitude toward religion, treason,
village life and royalty from the beginning of the book to the end. Find quotes that
show his attitude on each topic.
Topic
religion
treason
Village life
royalty
Beginning
End
16. The book constantly explores the idea of what it means to be “free”. Are there
different kinds of freedom in the book? Find passages where characters discuss the
concepts of freedom and how Crispin reacts to hearing them. How do you think he
finally comes to define “freedom”?