My Brother Sam Is Dead Chapters 1-6

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Questions and Answers

What happens in Chapter 1?

Sam, Tim Meeker's older brother, arrives in uniform at the Meeker tavern one rainy April evening in 1775. Father asks him a series of questions, including who fired the first shot, but Sam does not know who fired first.

What does Tim do during church in Chapter 2?

Tim sits in the balcony, hoping to escape thoughts about Sam, but is reminded of him when his friend Jerry Sanford mentions Sam.

How does Tim's home life change in Chapter 3?

There are lots of arguments about the war at home, sometimes heated, as when Father throws a man out of the tavern for criticizing the British army.

What event occurs in Chapter 4 involving rebel troops?

Tim sees a group of about twenty rebel troops approaching and witnesses them threatening his parents. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Tim come to regarding the war in Chapter 5?

Tim sees the war as a reality affecting his town, with people losing guns to soldiers and food becoming hard to find. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tim want to do in Chapter 6?

Tim wants to talk to Mr. Heron without his father around and expresses a desire to deliver messages for him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tim feel about Mr. Heron by the end of the summer in Chapter 7?

Tim has tried to avoid Mr. Heron but notices that Mr. Heron is polite and does not mention the letter despite food and supplies being short. Signup and view all the answers

What family visit occurs in Chapter 8?

Tim and Father arrive after dark to spend the night with their cousins, the Platts, who are a big, talkative family interested in news about the Meekers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like during the journey home in Chapter 9?

The ground is covered with snow, making the journey cold and wet for the Meekers. Signup and view all the answers

How does life change around the tavern in Chapter 10?

Life is different with Father gone, as both Tim and Mother must work all the time to keep the tavern running. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tim do after fetching the doctor in Chapter 11?

Tim cleans himself up in the barn and goes into the tavern to find many townspeople gathered there. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic news do Mother and Tim receive in Chapter 12?

They receive news that Father is dead, having died in a British prison ship due to cholera. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Tim tries to see General Parsons in Chapter 13?

The soldier at the door does not believe him when he says that Sam is innocent and sends Tim away. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in Chapter 14 regarding Sam's fate?

Tim and Betsy wait to hear General Putnam's decision, learning a week later that Sam will be executed despite his innocence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Sam Meeker returns home in uniform during a rainy evening in April 1775.
Father's inquiry includes questions about who fired the first shot; Sam does not have the answer.

Chapter 2

Tim attends church to distract himself from thoughts of Sam.
Friend Jerry Sanford brings up Sam, prompting a sermon from Mr. Beach about Sam's decision to join the fight.

Chapter 3

Tim reflects on the war's impact on his household and the frequent discussions it ignites.
Arguments escalate, highlighted by Father expelling a man for criticizing the British army.

Chapter 4

Tim hears horses while chopping wood and witnesses rebel troops approaching.
He hides and observes men entering the tavern, where they threaten his parents.

Chapter 5

The war becomes a tangible reality in Tim's town, affecting everyone.
Residents lose guns to soldiers, essential for defense against wolves; food scarcity grows and livestock is stolen by both armies.

Chapter 6

Tim seeks a private conversation with Mr. Heron without Father's knowledge.
Tim expresses his desire to deliver messages for Mr. Heron, claiming Father approved on the condition of ignorance.

Chapter 7

Summer's end brings Tim's reluctance to encounter Mr. Heron, though Mr. Heron remains courteous and discreet.
Despite supply shortages, warfare feels distant.

Chapter 8

Tim and Father spend a night with the talkative Platt cousins, who inquire about the Meekers' situation.

Chapter 9

A snowy morning marks a difficult journey back home for Tim and Father.
They part ways, with Father scouting for cowboys while Tim tends to the wagon.

Chapter 10

Life alters significantly at the tavern in Father's absence; Mother maintains hope for his survival.
Both Tim and Mother are burdened with continuous work to manage the tavern.

Chapter 11

Tim summons Dr. Hobart, who rides quickly to the tavern while Tim returns at a slower pace.
The tavern fills with concerned townspeople upon Tim's arrival.

Chapter 12

In June 1777, news arrives that Father has died in a British prison ship from cholera, buried off Long Island Sound.

Chapter 13

Tim attempts to plead for Sam’s innocence to General Parsons but is dismissed by the soldier on guard.
Frustrated, Tim returns home without being heard.

Chapter 14

The family anxiously awaits General Putnam's decision regarding Sam's fate.
Tim and Betsy brainstorm escape strategies but feel powerless.
They learn that Sam will be executed due to General Putnam’s refusal of clemency, despite his innocence after three years of fighting.

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Description

Explore the early chapters of 'My Brother Sam Is Dead', where the onset of the Revolutionary War unfolds through Tim's experiences. From Sam's return home to the local impact of the conflict, these chapters set the stage for familial and community tensions ignited by war. Test your knowledge on key events and themes from Chapters 1 to 6.