The Trumpet of the Swan

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1970

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Multiple Choice

1. C (Various chapters)

2. B (Various chapters)

3. A (Various chapters)

4. D (Various chapters)

5. C (Various chapters)

6. A (Various chapters)

7. B (Various chapters)

8. C (Various chapters)

9. D (Various chapters)

10. A (Various chapters)

Get access to this full Teaching Guide and much more!

8,500+ In-Depth Study Guides
4,700+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
Downloadable PDFs

Long Answer

1. Sam feels an inherent obligation and desire to help animals in natural environments. For example, Sam first protects the swan family by deterring the fox who plans to attack the pen. Later, Sam develops strategies to help Louis communicate with those around him. Additionally, Sam aids a skunk by removing a can that was stuck on its head. Sam finds a job he enjoys working at the Philadelphia Zoo. (Various chapters)

2. When Louis first understands his disability, he is afraid because of the differences between himself and his siblings. This perspective later shifts to one of sadness when he learns he is unable to communicate with Serena. Louis overcomes these and other challenges by learning to communicate with humans and through his trumpet. (Various chapters)