Vocabulary
Collaborate
To work together on a project
Who was very short-tempered, physically stronger and less patient
Bill Driscoll
What is one consequence of crime
- Criminal schemes can backfire in unexpected ways
- Sometimes the punishment doesn't fit the crime in the way criminals expect
- Bad decisions lead to worse situations
What does Johnny call himself
Red Chief
What do we expect kidnappers to do
Collect Ransom money
Ransom
A price or payment demanded in return for the release of property or a person
Who was very energetic, imaginative, fearless and mischievous
Johnny Dorset(Red Chief)
What happens to the kidnappers
They become the victims of their own crime
How much money did Sam and Bill need to pull off a land scheme in Illinois
$2000
What does the "rescue" become
An escape for the criminals
Surreptitiously
In a sneaky way; secretly
Who was more level-headed, practical and business-minded
Sam(Narrator)
What is Summit
The town where Johnny Dorset lives
How much money does Dorset demand to get Johnny back
$250
Why is the twist surprising
The twist is unexpected but makes perfect sense in hindsight
Pervade
To be spread or to be spread throughout
Who was shrewd, practical and understanding of his son's nature
Ebenezer Dorset
What are two examples of irony and role reversal in the book
- The kidnappers become the victims of their own crime
- The "victim" enjoys his captivity and doesn't want to be rescued
- Parents typically pay to get children back, but here the father must be paid to take his child
Where do the kidnappers take Johnny
A cave hideout
Why is the twist believable
Johnny behavior makes the twist logical
Diatribe
Condemnation; bitter, abusive criticism
Name the four main Characters
Johnny Dorset,Ebenezer Dorset,Bill Driscoll,Sam(narrator)
What are two examples of childhood vs adulthood
- Johnny's boundless energy overwhelms the adults
- Children's imagination and play can be more powerful than adult schemes
- Adults underestimate the challenges of dealing with difficult children
What types of games does Johnny play with Bill
War games
What is situational irony
When the opposite of what's expected happens