Leiningen Versus the Ants Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is the author of 'Leiningen Versus the Ants'?

Carl Stephenson

What is the setting of the story?

Brazil around the early twentieth century, on a plantation by a river

How big is the group of ants?

two by ten miles (twenty square miles)

What are the defenses against the ants?

Moat, cutting the branches over the moat and river, the second ditch of petrol, petrol sprinklers, throwing sand and dirt at the ants Signup and view all the answers

How did the ants try to get across the moat?

Find a way around the moat, throw themselves into the water to make an ant bridge, use leaves as rafts, use bark and twigs as rafts Signup and view all the answers

What did the medicine man give the workers?

Medicine to lessen the pain and take away the venom Signup and view all the answers

When did the attacks from the ants stop?

At night Signup and view all the answers

What did Leiningen say it was going to be the same as?

Macbeth Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take the ants to consume the stag?

Six minutes Signup and view all the answers

What did the ants take out first?

The eyes Signup and view all the answers

Why did Leiningen give orders not to disturb the ants after they retreated?

Because they would light them on fire when the time was right Signup and view all the answers

What did Leiningen eventually have to do to get the ants to die?

Run 2 miles through the ants to the dam and turn the wheel so that the waters would rise Signup and view all the answers

What is Leiningen's motto?

The human brain only needs to become fully aware of its powers to conquer even the elements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Setting

Carl Stephenson is the author of "Leiningen Versus the Ants".
The story is set in Brazil during the early twentieth century, specifically on a plantation near a river.

Ants and Their Behavior

The ant colony covers a vast area of two by ten miles, totaling twenty square miles.
Ants attempt multiple strategies to cross defenses, including:
- Finding alternate routes around the moat.
- Forming bridges by throwing themselves into the water.
- Utilizing leaves, bark, and twigs as rafts.

Defenses Against the Ants

Leiningen employs several defenses against the ant invasion:
- A moat surrounding the plantation.
- Cutting branches over the moat and river to prevent easy access.
- Creating a second ditch filled with petrol.
- Using petrol sprinklers as an additional deterrent.
- Throwing sand and dirt to disrupt the ants.

Impact of Ants

Ants are capable of consuming a stag in just six minutes.
The first part of the stag that the ants target is the eyes.

Medical Assistance

A medicine man provides workers with medicine to alleviate pain and counteract venom from the ants.

Ant Attacks and Strategies

Attacks by ants typically cease at night, providing a temporary reprieve for Leiningen and his workers.
Leiningen draws an analogy between his situation and "Macbeth", highlighting a struggle against overwhelming odds.

Leiningen's Strategy

Leiningen's final strategy to defeat the ants involves:
- Running two miles through the ant-infested area to reach the dam.
- Activating the dam to flood the area, effectively drowning the ants.

Leiningen’s Philosophy

Leiningen's motto emphasizes the potential of the human brain, stating that awareness of its powers can help conquer even nature's fiercest challenges.

Retaliation Plans

After the ants temporarily retreat, Leiningen orders to refrain from disturbing them, planning to ignite them when conditions are optimal.

Description

Explore key concepts from the short story 'Leiningen Versus the Ants' by Carl Stephenson. This quiz covers important elements like the author, setting, and the defenses against the invading ants. Perfect for enhancing your understanding of this thrilling tale.