Vocabulary 1
What does the word "diatribe" mean?
condemnation; bitter, abusive criticism
What is the word that means you do something secretly or in a sneaky way?
Surreptitiously
Who is Sam and what are his traits?
He is the narrator of the book and he's more level-headed, practical, and business-minded.
What is the exposition of this story?
Two con men, Sam and Bill, arrive in the small town of Summit, Alabama. They need $2,000 to pull off a land scheme in Illinois. They decide to kidnap the son of a wealthy businessman, Ebenezer Dorset. The victim is 10-year-old Johnny Dorset, a red-haired boy.
What's the theme that fits the ending that the reader wasn't expecting?
Irony and role-reversal
What is ransom?
What is the word that means something is acceptable to the taste, or is able to be eaten (edible)?
Palatable
Who is Bill and what are his traits?
Bill is Sam's partner and the "muscle of the operation" who becomes the prime target of Johnny. He's short-tempered, physically stronger, and less patient.
What is the rising action of this story?
Sam and Bill successfully kidnap Johnny and take him to a cave hideout. Johnny immediately embraces the adventure, calling himself "Red Chief". He torments Bill with war games, demands stories, and refuses to go home. The kidnappers write a ransom note demanding $1,500. Johnny's behavior becomes increasingly wild and exhausting.
Why did the twist ending make sense while still being unexpected? (Hint: Four words)
Believability, foreshadowing, surprise, humor
What does the word "pervade" mean?
To spread or to be present throughout
What word does this sentence describe?
"You need to pay me $700 if you want your daughter back!!"
Ransom
Who is Johnny and what are his traits?
He is the captive that turns into the tormentor. He also calls himself "Red Chief". He's energetic, imaginative, fearless, and mischievous.
What is the climax of this story?
Bill reaches his breaking point and threatens to leave. Sam receives a counter-offer letter from Ebenezer Dorset. Instead of paying ransom, Dorset demands the kidnappers pay HIM $250 to take Johnny back.
What three types of irony did O. Henry use in this story?
Situational Irony, Dramatic Irony, Verbal Irony
What does it mean to collaborate?
A group project would be some you would have to _____ on.
Collaborate
Who is Ebenezer Dorset and what are his traits?
He is the father of Johnny, the captive, who turns the tables on the kidnappers. He's shrewd (clever), practical, and he understands his son's nature.
What is the falling action of this story?
Sam and Bill realize they're trapped by Johnny's behavior. They desperately agree to Dorset's terms. They scrape together the $250 payment.
What theme most fits the way that Johnny's behavior overwhelmed the kidnappers?
Childhood vs. Adulthood
What does "comply" mean?
To act according to command, request, or order
Someone's giving a harsh, angry speech about only the bad parts of the movie in an abusive manner.
What is the person making?
A diatribe
Did Ebenezer Dorset actually want to take Johnny back?
No.
What is the resolution to this story?
The men pay Dorset and return Johnny. They flee town as fast as possible, with Johnny chasing after them.
What theme fits the statement that criminal plans can backfire in ways they don't expect?
Consequences of Crime