Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. Within 35 days (Chapter 1)

2. Cygnets (Chapter 1)

Short Answer

1. Sam prefers camping away from the busy world because he does not have to think of what he will do when he grows up. This revelation informs the reader that Sam feels some pressure to identify his future occupation and that camping is a refuge from this pressure. (Chapter 1)

2. When the swans first see Sam, they sound the alarm, believing him to be a threat. The cob begins to attack Sam to keep him away from the nest, but the pen (female swan) convinces the cob not to attack because Sam isn’t a direct threat. They remain on their guard, however, when Sam is nearby. Sam manages to build trust with the swans by preventing an attack by a fox. (Chapter 3)

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. His shoelace (Chapter 4)

2. Montana (Chapter 6)

Short Answer

1. The cob watches the nest with pride as his children hatch. He tends to be more concerned about his appearance; he often thinks of and comments on his gracefulness and his physical size.