ch 9
What is Johnny's job in Paul Revere's spy network?
He watches the British soldiers and officers and reports what he learns to the Patriots.
Why does Rab decide to leave Boston?
Rab believes fighting will begin soon, and he wants to go to Lexington so he can fight with the Minute Men.
Why does Uncle Lorne hide from the British?
The British are trying to arrest Patriot leaders and people connected to the rebellion, so Uncle Lorne hides to avoid being arrested.
Why does Johnny wear Pumpkin's British uniform?
Answer: He wears it so he can disguise himself as a British soldier and travel through areas controlled by the British.
What does Rab give Johnny?
Answer: Rab gives Johnny his musket.
Why does Pumpkin help Johnny escape from the British soldiers?
Pumpkin secretly tells Johnny to use his spurs so Goblin will escape before Johnny can be whipped.
Why is Johnny so upset when Rab leaves?
Johnny is very close to Rab and depends on him for guidance and friendship. He is also afraid that Rab could be killed.
What does Lavinia tell Johnny about his family?
She tells him that his mother was actually related to the Lyte family and that Johnny really is a member of the Lyte family.
What bothers Johnny about the way the wounded British privates are treated?
They are treated like objects instead of injured human beings. Johnny thinks they deserve to be treated with dignity.
What does Johnny want to be able to do with his hand?
Answer: He wants to be able to hold and fire Rab's musket.
What does Johnny do to help Pumpkin escape?
He helps him get farmer's clothes and arranges a way for him to leave Boston.
What happens while Johnny is sleeping at the end of the chapter?
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington.
Why does Johnny want Pumpkin's uniform?
He wants to disguise himself as a British soldier so he can move around and gather information without being recognized.
Why doesn't Johnny help Lieutenant Stranger?
Johnny realizes that Stranger is now an enemy soldier and helping him could expose Johnny's disguise and put him in danger.
Why does Dr. Warren examine Johnny's hand?
He realizes that Johnny's thumb may be trapped mainly by scar tissue and believes he may be able to free it through surgery.
Why do you think Pumpkin wants to leave the British army so badly?
Pumpkin doesn't really care about fighting. He wants a simple life where he can have a farm and cows.
. What does Johnny's lobster dream reveal about how he views war?
He is becoming more matrue and realizes that the British soldiers are people and not just enemies.
How does Johnny's concern about Rab show that he has changed?
Johnny is worried that Rab could be hurt or killed because he cares about him. Earlier, Johnny often thought mostly about his own problems. Now he is thinking about someone else's safety, which shows that he has become more caring and mature.
Why is it important that Johnny sees Lieutenant Stranger in the group of wounded soldiers?
It is important because Stranger had been friendly with Johnny before the war. Now they are on opposite sides. This shows Johnny that war can turn people who were once friends into enemies.
Why is Rab giving Johnny his musket important?
Rab giving Johnny his musket shows that he trusts Johnny to continue fighting for the cause. The musket also represents Rab passing his responsibility to Johnny.
Why is the smock so important to Johnny?
Johnny realizes that his mother made the smock for him with love. He had been too proud to appreciate it before, so now he feels ashamed that he didn't understand how much effort she put into it.
. Why is Johnny's job as a spy just as important as fighting with a gun?
Johnny's job is important because the rebels need information in order to know what the British are planning. Johnny discovers the British plan and helps warn the other colonists. Even though he is not fighting, his actions help prepare the rebels for the attack.
Why is it ironic that Johnny finally learns he really is related to the Lytes?
It is ironic because earlier Johnny really wanted the Lytes to accept him, but now that he learns he really is related to them, it doesn't seem as important to him. He has changed and cares more about helping the Patriots and his friends.
Why is Johnny's reaction to the wounded British soldiers important?
Johnny feels sorry for the wounded British soldiers even though they are fighting against him. This shows that Johnny understands that they are still human beings. It also shows that he believes people should be treated with respect no matter which side they are on.
How does Johnny's attitude toward his injured hand show that he has changed?
Earlier in the book, Johnny wanted his hand fixed so he could become a successful silversmith again. Now he wants it fixed so he can hold Rab's musket and fight for freedom. This shows that Johnny's priorities have changed because he cares more about helping others and the Patriot cause than about his own success.