Catherine, Called Birdy Conflicts
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Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
Lesson Plans by Bridget Baudinet
Catherine, who is nicknamed “Birdy” or “Little Bird”, records her daily trials and triumphs along with her fears and hopes for the future. This book opens a window into the life of Medieval women and will enrich students’ study of both literature and history.
Storyboard Description
Catherine Called Birdy Literary Conflicts
Storyboard Text
- CHARACTER VS. MAN
- CHARACTER VS. SOCIETY
- CHARACTER VS. NATURE
- CHARACTER VS. SELF
- Perkin, do you think I could be a tumbler? Or a monk?
- Catherine has conflicts with a number of people around her on a daily basis. She consistently quarrels with her brother Robert when he is around. She insults him, and he generally responds by pinching her.
- Catherine frequently rebels against the expectations of her society. Catherine hates the limits that Medieval society placed on women and noblewomen in particular. Much of her unhappiness comes from the ladylike chores she must complete and the arranged marriage she is expected to accept.
- After Catherine's mother gives birth to a baby girl, she faces complications and nearly dies. Although Mother is the one facing death at the hands of nature, Catherine, too, is in conflict with nature since the illness also impacts her life negatively.
- Catherine struggles to develop a sense of identity. She does not feel like she fits in with the life that is expected of her, so she tries to imagine alternative options. None of these seem to suit her, however, and she spends months feeling miserable and unsettled.
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