"Ruthless" Comprehension and Analysis

What is the purpose of paragraph 1?

"Outside, the woods lay basking in clear October sunlight; trees a riot of color, air full of Autumn’s tang and the sharp, exciting smell of moist, leaf-covered earth."

• Paragraph 1 reveals the somber tone that will be revealed in the text.

• Paragraph 1 presents the setting and how the atmosphere reflects the season.

• Paragraph 1 details the revelation that will come to someone who is beyond ruthless to others.

• Paragraph 1 gives a description of the characters that will evolve throughout the text.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In paragraph 2, the author states, "Not even his wife was allowed to have a key, for Judson Webb loved his personal possessions and felt a sense of deep outrage if they were touched by any hand but his own." What does this express about Judson's character?

• This quote expresses the lack of understanding anyone has for Judson's prized possessions.

• The quote details the nature of love Judson has towards his wife.

• The quote expresses how serious and how possessive Judson is about his items.

• The quote expresses the reason why Judson wants to eliminate anyone who touches his belongings.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Paragraph 10 states, "Her eyes narrowed as she watched him." What does this statement reveal about how she feels towards her husband?

• She no longer wants to be around her husband.

• She is indifferent about the nature of his actions.

• She is worried about how his actions will affect their family.

• She is very suspicious of what he attempting to do.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

When he drops the tablets into the liquor, Judson states, "At least no one has found an antidote: once it’s down its curtains." Which of the following BEST expresses the meaning of the phrase "down its curtains"?

• To make a new substance

• To complete its journey

• To reach its destination, in this case, throat to stomach

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What punishment does Judson want to give the thief?

• He wants to harm the thief

• He wants to sympathize with the thief when he returns

• He wishes to eliminate the thief for good

• He wishes to welcome the thief into his home, as he is presenting liquor for the thief.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What lesson does Judson present in paragraph 21?

“That’s not the point,” he said. “If a man holds me up and robs me of five dollars it makes me just as sore as if he took a hundred. A thief’s a thief.”

• Judson shows the nature of being a thief, no matter how minute, deserves punishment all the same.

• Judson presents the idea that any thief can be forgiven.

• Judson reveals that being a thief can have some consequences but should be dealt with differently.

• Judson describes how thieves can change, just as he had in the past.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does paragraph 24 reveal about how Judson's wife feels at this point in the text?

"It was useless to argue, she knew. He had always been ruthless in business and whenever anything crossed him. Things had to be done his way. She turned toward the outer door with a sigh of defeat. “I’ll walk down the road and say good bye at the farmhouse,” she said quietly. “You can pick me up there.” She had made up her mind to tell Alec’s wife. Someone had to know."

• Though she feels defeated initially, she begins to welcome the idea because she does not want to disappoint her husband.

• Though she feels defeated by her husband's relentless actions to murder the thief, she has the desire to tell someone of his plan.

• Though she feels unwelcome in her own home due to her husband's plan, she still feels the urge to encourage him to complete his mission.

• Though she does not understand the nature of his actions, she still agrees with him in a non-verbal manner.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does paragraph 27 escalate the demise of Judson?

"Alec was coming up from the lake and waved to him from a distance. A chipmunk, hearing Judson’s heavy tread, abandoned the acorn he was about to add to his store within the cabin wall and disappeared, like an electric bulb burning out. Judson, reaching for his boots, stepped fairly upon the acorn, his foot slid from under him and his head struck the massive table as he fell."

• Judson's fall reveals a small revelation that once he is conscious he has to drink something to be completely revived, which could lead to the drinking of the poisonous liquor.

• Judson's fall reveals the truth about how a ruthless man can be poisoned with his own medicine.

• Judson's fall reveals that true friends are always there to pick you up.

• Judson's fall rapidly increases his death that will soon come.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

One of the themes for "Ruthless" is _______

• Karma will come back to get you in the end.

• Love other people and they will love you.

• Don't take vacation

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the setting of "Ruthless"?

• a city in 1956

• a vacation cabin in the woods during autumn

• a rich man's house in a country town during a terrible snow storm

• There is no settting

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3