The Ransom of Red Chief by O'Henry

The Ransom of Red Chief

by O'Henry

Our Focus (part 1):

• RL.7.3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).

• RL.8.3 Analyze how ... dialogue or incidents in a story ... propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

• In other words, the setting can make something in the plot happen, the conflict can change a character, etc.

Multiple Select

Which of the following show story elements affecting one another?

• Aware that if he remained constantly upon the sled he would freeze to death, Walt shortened up one of the lashing-thongs, and whenever he felt chilled, seized hold of it, jumped off, and ran behind till warmth was restored.

• Tessie is happy and quick to joke with the rest of the villagers, but that all changes when she's chosen to be the sacrifice for this year's harvest and she becomes a very poor sport.

• The town is nestled within the mountains where the sun is almost always covered by the clouds. Not many people live in the area, and that never changes.

Our Focus (part 2):

• RL.7.6 Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.

• RL.8.6 Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.

Multiple Select

Suspense can be created by giving characters and the reader a different perspective or point of view.

Which of the following is a good example of that?

• The villagers in the text know what someone "wins" if they're chosen for the lottery, but readers don't know until the very end of the story.

• Max thinks Justin is not inviting him to his end of school party, but really Justin is planning a surprise party for Max. Readers know the truth, but Max doesn't find out until the end of the story.

• The reader knows everything the characters know, so everyone is on the same page about the events in the story.

👏 Let's read! 👏

• Follow along with the audio

• Watch for story elements affecting each other

• Be on the lookout for irony

• Be prepared to answer questions

https://youtu.be/NQQmOiizK5g

Multiple Choice

Why did the thieves decide to kidnap a child?

• They wanted fame.

• They wanted money.

• They wanted a reputation.

• They wanted entertainment.

Multiple Choice

What does the child call himself?

• Bill

• Ebenezer

• Red Chief

Multiple Select

Which of the following has Red Chief done to the kidnappers so far? (Select all that apply.)

• begged them to take him home

• hit one in the eye with a piece of rock

• called them both names to hurt their feelings

• attempted to cut off the top of one's head

Multiple Select

Readers should see that the kidnappers are starting to doubt their plan of using the boy to get ransom money.

Which of the following excerpts help develop the narrator's point of view (that this boy might not be wanted back)?

Multiple Choice

RL.8.3: Analyze how ... dialogue or incidents in a story ... propel the action ...

How does this dialogue affect the plot?

• It shows a change in setting, where characters will be forced to adapt.

• It shows a change in a character's attitude, which prompts him to become more aggressive.

• It shows a change in the conflict and we can now expect the boy to work with his kidnappers.

Multiple Choice

RL.8.6 Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.

How does telling the story from a kidnapper's point of view create humor?

• We see the kidnappers learn their lesson and write apologetic letters to their mothers using a quill (feather-pen) and pink paper.

• We see the kidnappers realize that the boy is such a pain and they'll actually be charged money for returning him.

Multiple Choice

How does O'Henry (the author) create irony?

• By making sure the father of the kidnapped child is NOT part of the story

• By making the kidnapped kid so terrible that he COSTS the thieves money

Poll

What do you think of the father's response to the kidnappers' demand for ransom money? (Choose TWO)

• I was surprised that he doesn't want his kid back.

• I wan't surprised that he doesn't want that brat back.

• I see the humor in the father charging the kidnappers $250 to return the boy.

• I think it's more sad than humorous that nobody wants the boy.

Open Ended

Remember that a summary gives a brief explanation of what happened in the story WITHOUT including your opinion.

Summarize "The Ransom of Red Chief."

Poll

How did you like this story?

• Loved it.

• It was okay.

• Hated it.