Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the 'fiddler's bill' in the chapter's title?
What is the 'fiddler's bill' in the chapter's title?
It was the bill they paid for dropping the tea into the Boston harbor.
Why do subscriptions to the paper drop so sharply?
Why do subscriptions to the paper drop so sharply?
Partly because people couldn't afford paper and so many of the Whig's families were leaving the country.
Why does the British soldier knock Rab down with his sword?
Why does the British soldier knock Rab down with his sword?
He hit him because Rab was touching his musket.
Why does Johnny agree to deliver mail for the British soldiers?
Why does Johnny agree to deliver mail for the British soldiers?
Who is General Gage and how does he treat the colonists?
Who is General Gage and how does he treat the colonists?
Boston's port is closed by the British, yet Boston doesn't starve. Why not?
Boston's port is closed by the British, yet Boston doesn't starve. Why not?
What news does Cilla bring about how things have changed with Dorcas, Mr. Tweedie, and Isannah?
What news does Cilla bring about how things have changed with Dorcas, Mr. Tweedie, and Isannah?
How does Johnny keep Lt. Stranger from commandeering Goblin? How do they get along afterwards?
How does Johnny keep Lt. Stranger from commandeering Goblin? How do they get along afterwards?
Why is Johnny supposed to keep in touch with Dove? Does he still hate Dove?
Why is Johnny supposed to keep in touch with Dove? Does he still hate Dove?
Who does Johnny see on his last visit to the Laphams?
Who does Johnny see on his last visit to the Laphams?
When Johnny visits the Lytes house, he sees that Isannah and Cilla are treated differently. How? Why does Johnny slap Isannah?
When Johnny visits the Lytes house, he sees that Isannah and Cilla are treated differently. How? Why does Johnny slap Isannah?
Who is Bessie? How does Johnny learn that she isn't a Tory?
Who is Bessie? How does Johnny learn that she isn't a Tory?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Key Events and Characters
- "Fiddler's Bill": Refers to the expense incurred from the Boston Tea Party, where tea was dumped into the harbor.
- Decrease in paper subscriptions: Driven by financial hardships and the emigration of Whig families from Boston.
- Conflict with British soldier: Rab is attacked by a soldier for merely touching his musket, reflecting tensions between colonists and British troops.
- Johnny's mail delivery for soldiers: He takes this role to gather intelligence for Paul Revere, negotiating extra payment for the service.
- General Gage's role: He replaces Governor Hutchinson, remains neutral toward colonists, highlighting the complexity of loyalty during this period.
- Food supply in Boston: Even with port closures, Boston received food from surrounding colonies, preventing starvation.
- Changes in Lapham family dynamics: Cilla reports that Dorcas, Mr. Tweedie, and Isannah have moved in with the Lytes, while Mr. Tweedie plans to wait for Cilla to mature before proposing marriage.
- Interaction with Lt. Stranger: Johnny prevents the soldier from taking Goblin by using sheets to scare the horse; they share a humorous moment and learn about each other.
- Relationship with Dove: Johnny maintains contact with Dove for insights about Colonel Smith, despite ongoing animosity.
- Last visit to Laphams: Johnny encounters Madge with Sergeant Gage and Mr. Tweedie, noting the social interactions.
- Treatment of Isannah vs. Cilla: At the Lyte's house, Isannah is favored while Cilla is treated poorly, prompting Johnny to slap Isannah for her inappropriate state of dress.
- Bessie, the housekeeper: A Whig sympathetic to the revolution, she discloses her political views and long-term association with Sam Adams, contrasting with Tory sentiments.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
