The Fork in the Path - Dramatic Irony (Grade 7)

What does Todd tell his friends the map he is holding is?

• A copy he made

• The 'original' map

• A map he found online

• A drawing from memory

Answer explanation

In the second paragraph, Todd pulls out his fake map and says, “I brought the ‘original’ to be safe.” This is a direct recall of information from the text.

When Todd says, “I’ll make sure we all get what we deserve,” what do Keegan and Myra believe he means?

• That he is angry with them

• That the treasure hunt will be very difficult

• That they will all share the treasure fairly

• That they do not deserve to find the treasure

Answer explanation

Keegan and Myra are unaware of Todd's betrayal. His words seem supportive to them, so they interpret his statement as a promise to share the reward, which highlights the dramatic irony.

The fact that the reader knows about Todd's fake map but Keegan and Myra do not is an example of what?

• A flashback

• Foreshadowing

• A misunderstanding between all friends

• Dramatic irony

Answer explanation

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows critical information that the characters in the story do not. Here, the reader knows Todd is betraying his friends, while they remain clueless.

Which landmark does Todd tell his friends to walk toward?

• The noisy waterfall

• The park entrance

• The giant, old oak tree

• A small creek

Answer explanation

The passage states, “Okay, the map says to go right, toward the oak tree,” Todd announced with confidence. This is a direct detail from the text.

What detail from the legend does Myra recall that makes her question Todd's direction?

• The sound of 'whispering winds over water'

• A marking on an old oak tree

• A clue hidden under a bridge

• A riddle about the park's founder

Answer explanation

Myra directly states, “I remember reading that the legend mentioned something about the sound of ‘whispering winds over water’,” which makes her doubt going toward the oak tree instead of the waterfall.

Match each line of Todd's dialogue with the secret meaning that the reader understands.

• He is lying to make his friends trust his fake map.

• “I brought the ‘original’ to be safe.”

• He means he alone will get the treasure he feels he deserves.

• “I’ll make sure we all get what we deserve.”

• He is lying and has no intention of finding it with them.

• “We’ll find it together.”

• He means his plan to trick his friends will not fail.

• “This map is foolproof.”

Answer explanation

Each of Todd's statements has a double meaning. To his friends, they sound helpful and collaborative. To the reader, who knows his true intentions, these lines reveal his deceit and selfish motives, which is the essence of dramatic irony in dialogue.

Sort the following facts from the story into the correct categories based on who is aware of them at the end of the passage.

Groups:

(a) What Keegan and Myra Believe

,

(b) The Actual Truth (Known to the Reader)

• Todd plans to keep the treasure for himself.

• Keegan is excited about the treasure hunt.

• Todd is a trustworthy friend.

• The real treasure is near the waterfall.

• The group should go toward the oak tree.

• The map Todd is holding is fake.

Answer explanation

This categorization separates the characters' naive perspective from the reality that the reader is aware of. Keegan and Myra believe in Todd's trustworthiness and his false directions. The reader knows about the fake map, Todd's selfish plan, and the true location of the treasure. Keegan's excitement is a fact known to everyone, including the reader, so it fits in the 'Actual Truth' category.

Analyze how the author uses irony in Todd's dialogue to develop the theme of 'Trust and betrayal'. Support your analysis with a specific quote from the passage and explain its two different meanings.

Answer explanation