Analyzing O. Henry's Ransom for Red Chief

In "A Ransom for Red Chief," how does O. Henry use the character of Red Chief to create tension in the story?

• By making him a willing participant in the kidnapping

• By portraying him as a mischievous and uncontrollable child

• By showing him as a quiet and obedient child

• By depicting him as a fearful and timid child

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What is the central idea of "A Ransom for Red Chief," and how does O. Henry develop this idea throughout the story?

• The dangers of greed, developed through the kidnappers' failed plan

• The innocence of childhood, developed through Red Chief's playful nature

• The unpredictability of life, developed through the unexpected turn of events

• The power of friendship, developed through the bond between the kidnappers

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Analyze how O. Henry introduces and develops the series of events in "A Ransom for Red Chief." What effect does this have on the reader's understanding of the story?

• By starting with the kidnapping and gradually revealing Red Chief's behavior, creating suspense

• By beginning with Red Chief's background and then moving to the kidnapping, creating empathy

• By focusing on the kidnappers' past crimes before introducing Red Chief, creating intrigue

• By detailing the ransom note first, then explaining the kidnapping, creating confusion

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How does O. Henry's choice of words and phrases in "A Ransom for Red Chief" impact the tone of the story?

• The use of formal language creates a serious tone

• The use of humorous and exaggerated language creates a comedic tone

• The use of technical jargon creates a confusing tone

• The use of simple and direct language creates a straightforward tone

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence from "A Ransom for Red Chief" to support the inference that the kidnappers underestimated Red Chief.

• The kidnappers' initial confidence in their plan

• Red Chief's immediate compliance with the kidnappers

• The kidnappers' fear of Red Chief's father

• Red Chief's enjoyment of the kidnapping situation

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Determine the meaning of the phrase "Red Chief" as used in the story. How does this contribute to the reader's understanding of the character?

• It signifies a calm and peaceful child, highlighting irony

• It represents a fierce and rebellious nature, emphasizing his wild behavior

• It denotes a royal lineage, suggesting his noble character

• It implies a shy and reserved personality, contrasting with his actions

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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Analyze how the structure of "A Ransom for Red Chief" contributes to the story's comedic effect.

• The use of a linear timeline with no flashbacks

• The inclusion of parallel plots involving other kidnappings

• The manipulation of time through pacing and unexpected events

• The chronological order of events without any surprises

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What evidence from "A Ransom for Red Chief" supports the analysis that the kidnappers' plan was poorly thought out?

• Their detailed research on Red Chief's family

• Their lack of understanding of Red Chief's personality

• Their successful negotiation of the ransom

• Their careful selection of the kidnapping location

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How does the central idea of "A Ransom for Red Chief" emerge and develop through specific details in the text?

• Through the kidnappers' increasing frustration and desperation

• Through Red Chief's growing fear and anxiety

• Through the townspeople's indifference to the kidnapping

• Through the father's immediate willingness to pay the ransom

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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Examine how O. Henry unfolds the series of ideas in "A Ransom for Red Chief." What connections are drawn between the events?

• The events are disconnected, leading to a fragmented narrative

• The events are linked by the kidnappers' growing realization of their mistake

• The events are unrelated, focusing on different characters

• The events are connected by Red Chief's changing emotions

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