Exploring Chapter 13 of Island of the Blue Dolphins

The narrator, despite concerns about a law forbidding women from making weapons, sets out to hunt sea elephants. She observes the animals, focusing on a young bull, and carefully approaches it. A battle ensues between the young bull and an older bull, which the narrator watches, hoping the young bull will win. The fight is intense, and the narrator eventually leaves as darkness falls.

What law did the narrator reflect on before going to hunt the sea elephants?

• A law forbidding women to fish

• A law forbidding women to leave the village

• A law forbidding women to make weapons

• A law forbidding women to hunt

What did the narrator worry about regarding her arrows?

• If they would be too light

• If they would be too short

• If they would go straight and pierce the hide

• If they would be too heavy

How did the narrator describe the young sea elephants?

• As large as a bull

• As large as a man but still babies

• As small as puppies

• As small as a child

What separated the bulls from each other?

• Their age

• Their color

• Their size

• Their bad temper and jealousy

Why did the narrator choose the young bull to hunt?

• Because it was the closest

• Because it was the most aggressive

• Because it was the largest

• Because it was the smallest and had no herd

What did the narrator carry with her while approaching the young bull?

• A spear and a shield

• A new bow and five arrows

• A knife and a rope

• A net and a trap

What happened when the narrator shot her arrow at the young bull?

• The arrow passed harmlessly to one side

• The arrow hit the bull's leg

• The arrow broke

• The arrow hit the bull's head

How did the old bull react to the young bull approaching the shore?

• He attacked the young bull

• He ignored the young bull

• He called for help

• He ran away

What did the narrator do when the bulls' fight intensified?

• She left the scene

• She cheered for the young bull

• She shot another arrow

• She stood still and watched

Why did the narrator decide to leave the scene?

• She saw other hunters approaching

• She was scared of the bulls

• It was getting dark and her leg hurt

• She ran out of arrows