Ransom of Red Chief Vocabulary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Because the job is difficult, we have asked several departments to _______ to find a solution.

collaborate

After the art show, people sought out the painter to ____ her for her work.

commend

He was prepared for good-natured criticism of his work, but he did not expect the _____ that appeared in the newspaper.

diatribe

The students came up with their own ______ for raising money for the class trip.

proposition Signup and view all the answers

The public was advised to prepare for the hurricane by stocking up on ______ like water and canned goods.

provisions Signup and view all the answers

We were shocked at the ______ behavior of the child, who showed no respect for his parents or his teacher.

impudent Signup and view all the answers

The kidnappers demanded a _____ for the return of the child.

ransom Signup and view all the answers

If you do not ______ with the rules, you will not be allowed to participate in the game.

comply Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial conflict in the story?

Sam and Bill need $2,000, so they decide to do a kidnapping to raise the money. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ebenezer Dorset surprise Sam and Bill?

Instead of paying the ransom request, Mr. Dorset requires the kidnappers to pay him $250 in order to take Johnny off of their hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the plot in O. Henry's story 'The Ransom of Red Chief'?

Ebenezer Dorset's letter demands $250 in order to receive Johnny back home. Signup and view all the answers

What foreshadowing occurs early in the story?

Johnny is first described as throwing rocks at a kitten. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the abuses that Johnny heaps upon Bill Driscoll?

Johnny kicks Bill's shins. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the kidnappers hide little Johnny?

They transport the boy in a buggy and then hide him in a cave. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the way that the kidnappers sign their ransom note?

They sign it 'Two Desperate Men', and by the end of the story, they are very desperate to return the ornery boy to his father. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the best description of Johnny Dorset?

He is a freckled-face boy with red hair who enjoys being outside, camping, and playing make-believe games such as cowboys and Indians. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Bill and Sam run out of town?

Ebenezer promised ten minutes before Red Chief gets loose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of view for this story?

First person Signup and view all the answers

What are Bill and Sam's reasons for kidnapping Johnny?

They need the money to complete preparations for a crime scheme. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary

Collaborate: Work together with multiple departments to find a solution to a difficult job.
Commend: Praise or express approval, typically for someone's work, such as an artist after an art show.
Diatribe: A bitter and abusive criticism, exemplified by an unexpected harsh review in a newspaper.
Proposition: An idea or suggestion proposed for consideration, like students' fundraising ideas for a class trip.
Provisions: Supplies, particularly necessary items like food and water, to prepare for emergencies such as hurricanes.
Impudent: Inappropriately bold or disrespectful behavior, especially seen in a child's attitude towards authority figures.
Ransom: A sum of money demanded for the return of a kidnapped individual.
Comply: To obey or adhere to rules or requests, necessary for participation in activities.

Plot Summary

The initial conflict arises when Sam and Bill need $2,000 and decide to kidnap a child as a means to achieve their goal.
Ebenezer Dorset surprises the kidnappers by demanding $250 to take his son, Johnny, off their hands instead of paying the ransom.
The climax of the story occurs when Mr. Dorset's letter reveals the unexpected payment demand from the kidnappers.
Foreshadowing is used early in the narrative, indicated by Johnny's violent actions, such as throwing rocks at a kitten.

Character Dynamics

Johnny Dorset, described as a freckled-face boy with red hair, enjoys playing imaginative games and exhibits disruptive behavior towards his captors.
Johnny abuses Bill Driscoll by kicking his shins, showcasing his troublesome nature.
The kidnappers, initially confident, become desperate as they face the reality of their situation.

Setting and Action

Johnny is hidden away in a buggy and later taken to a cave as the kidnappers attempt to keep him secluded.
The story is told from a first-person perspective, adding a personal touch to the narrative.
The ironic twist lies in the kidnappers signing the ransom note as "Two Desperate Men," highlighting their changed circumstances as they yearn to return Johnny to his father.

Resolution

Bill and Sam flee the town, prompted by Ebenezer's warning that Johnny will be loose in ten minutes, indicating their failure in the kidnapping plot.
Bill and Sam's motives stem from needing funds to support another criminal scheme, further complicating their predicament.

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Test your vocabulary skills with flashcards based on 'The Ransom of Red Chief'. Each card features a word along with its definition to help reinforce your understanding. Perfect for students looking to expand their lexicon through context-driven learning.