Catherine Called Birdy Analysis

I. Catherine, Called Birdy is a historical fiction novel, structured as a diary. Narrated by protagonist Catherine. Written by Karen Cushman.
II. The novel itself takes place in 1290’s Stonebridge, London. Catherine, Called Birdy is based in a village ruled by Lord Rollo. The work of literature states, “The chamber is pleasant, large and sunny, with my mother and father’s big bed on one side and, on the other, a window that looks out on the world I could be enjoying were I not in here sewing”(Cushman 4). Catherine lived in a proper house with proper people, she had 3 brother named Robert, Edward, and Thomas. Her father is forcing her to marry a rich man at 14 years old. Living with parents Lord Rollo and mother Lady Aislinn. Catherine
The antagonist is also the father of Catherine. Lord Rollo is described as being overly abusive, selfish, and greedy. For instance the piece of literature states “My father’s crack still rings my head but Master Lack-Wit left without a betrothal”(Cushman 44). This illustrates how her father abuses her without remorse. Through the eyes of Catherine, her father is a complete monster. “My greedy father is near muzzle-witted with glee from the greese, silver pennies and wagonloads of manure our tenants pay him”(Cushman 9). As one can tell Catherine’s POV towards her father is terrible and portrays him for being a monster. Lord Rollo’s Characterization is direct. Lord Rollo seems as if he is a complex character but then is downgraded to a static character because of the consistent personality throughout the narrative. Catherine clearly demonstrates her father’s personality and the use of quotes can illustrate this as
However, she knows this can’t be the end of them. Catherine is now determined to get rid of every one of them. This is a major turning in the narrative and the rising action is beginning to occur, the second suitor is here. The second suitors name is Rolf. Catherine once again devises a plan to dress up as a villager and tell the suitor lies to scare him away. Successfully the plan worked. This was not the end, unfortunately much more was to come. The second suitor was named Kent. Once again Catherine creates a plan to drive the suitor away. This time she over exaggerates her families wealth so bad that it makes the suitor ask the father for a settlement or money brought by a bride to her husband. Lord Rollo immediately kicks the suitor out. Her confidence is again boosted, throughout the rising action she becomes more familiar with how to scare away suitors and drived the 4th and the 5th one away. The crisis is soon introduced at her brother’s wedding day, it starts when Catherine is alluded to Shaggy beard, a wealthy man who is not into Catherine. However his negotiation skills help him win a spot to marry Rollo’s daughter. Even though Catherine is completely disgusted by him she has no say in how her marriage is going to occur. After countless thoughts on how to get out of the marriage, Catherine is forced to use the silver Shaggy Beard gives to her the silver. “The