The Ransom of Red Chief Study Guide

In what state did the story take place?

• Ohio
• Canada
• Alabama
• Illinois

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What can we infer about Red Chief's character based on his during dinner speech?

• he is not bothered by the kidnapping; very irritating

• he's very afraid; terrified

• he's very quiet and withdrawn

• he is smart and states his plan to escape

With what did Sam threaten Red Chief if he doesn't behave?

• broil him at the stake
• scalp him
• take him home
• tie him up

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

What was ironic about the townspeople's feelings about the kidnapping?

• They are afraid someone will bring Red Chief back home.

• They are afraid that someone may have murdered Red Chief.

• They are worried and anxiously searching for Red Chief.

• They are in disbelief that a kidnapping could happen in a small town like Summit.

What were the terms of Mr. Dorset's counter offer?

• He will pay two thousand dollars.
• He will pay one thousand dollars.
• He will contact the police.
• He will accept two hundred fifty dollars in payment from the kidnappers. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

An example of situational irony in O. Henry's story "The Ransom of Red Chief is that the kidnappers...

• choose a child of a well-to-do citizen to kidnap for ransom
• actually pay money to the child's parent to return the kidnapped victim
• are named Sam and Bill
• do not choose a very good location to exchange the ransom money

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What was ironic about Johnny's reaction when he was returned to his home?

• ran inside and hugged his mother

• threw a fit because he didn't want to go home

• couldn't wait to ride his horse

• couldn't wait to play Indian with his family

Interpret the following quote:

"Perhaps, says I to myself, it has not yet been discovered that the wolves have borne away the tender lambkin from the fold. Heaven help the wolves, says I!

• Everyone is looking for a pack of wolves that have taken the boy from the town.

• No one is looking for "the wolves" or kidnappers and the "tender lambkin" who is Red Chief is actually a wolf in sheeps clothing.

• No one is looking for the kidnappers instead they are looking for the wolves that came and attacked the town.

What was ironic about the boy not trying to escape from Bill and Sam?

• He did not know where he was.

• He was having too much fun.

• He was too far from home.

• He was afraid they would catch him.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What was Bill's perception (POV) of the kidnapping?

• He did not think Ebenezer Dorset had much money

• He wanted to leave town as soon as possible

• He came to enjoy the boy's company and wanted to help him

• He did not think anyone would pay $2000 for the boy

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6