Rats of Nimh Study Guide: Chapters 1-3

Questions and Answers

Who or what does Isabella think Mrs. Frisby is?

A spy from the outside or from NIMH

What does Mrs. Frisby learn from Isabella and the rat colony?

Jenner did not like the plan and deserted

What does Nicodemus call Arthur?

The chief engineer

What does Nicodemus take from his satchel to help him see?

A reading glass Signup and view all the answers

According to Nicodemus, what did the owl mean by moving Mrs. Frisby's house 'in the lee' of the stone?

The house should be in close behind the rock where the plow does not reach Signup and view all the answers

According to Justin, what do the rats do to Dragon when they have a long project?

Put sleeping powder in his food Signup and view all the answers

Who usually gets Dragon out of the rats' way?

Mr. Ages Signup and view all the answers

What object in Nicodemus's office particularly catches Mrs. Frisby's attention?

The radio Signup and view all the answers

With whom does Nicodemus usually go to the market?

His older brother Gerald and his friend Jenner Signup and view all the answers

According to the man, why were they able to catch the rats?

The rats had grown careless Signup and view all the answers

Where do the men take Nicodemus, Jenner and the other rats?

To a laboratory Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a reason given as to why Nicodemus dislikes his cage so much?

It is filthy from other rats being in there before him Signup and view all the answers

According to Nicodemus, what do the rats eventually learn after their initial fear and uncertainty after their capture?

Uncertainty is the worst thing they will undergo Signup and view all the answers

How are the rats in Group C different from A and B?

They are the control group; they receive no injections Signup and view all the answers

According to Nicodemus, why does Dr. Schultz keep the rats in captivity?

To test a serum and see if it makes them smarter Signup and view all the answers

What happens if Nicodemus goes down the wrong corridor in the maze?

He gets an electric shock through the floor Signup and view all the answers

As Nicodemus runs through the maze more often, what happens to his time?

It gets shorter Signup and view all the answers

What other test does Nicodemus describe, besides the maze?

Shape recognizing test Signup and view all the answers

Who escapes from Julie to look around the laboratory?

Justin Signup and view all the answers

What were the injections doing to Group A?

The rats were becoming smarter and stopped aging Signup and view all the answers

What were Dr. Schultz and his assistants attempting to do when they showed the rats a picture of a rat and symbols while playing a recording that said 'Are, Ai, Tea, Rat?'

They were teaching the rats to listen Signup and view all the answers

How did Justin get out of this cage after the doctor and his assistants went home for the night?

He read instructions on the bottom of the cage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason Justin didn't want Nicodemus to explore the laboratory with him?

Nicodemus was sleeping and Justin didn't want to disturb him Signup and view all the answers

Why did the rats steal a spool of thread to help them explore the ducts?

They used it to help them keep from getting lost Signup and view all the answers

What does Jonathan the mouse ask Nicodemus to do for the mice?

Jonathan asks Nicodemus to open the cages of the mice and help them escape Signup and view all the answers

What does Nicodemus decide regarding the mice?

To allow the mice to follow the rats through the air duct Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Jenner's concerns regarding what the rats would do after they escaped?

He was worried about how they would defend themselves Signup and view all the answers

What happens to six of the eight mice in the air ducts?

They are blown away Signup and view all the answers

How did the mice help save the rats?

They figured out how to open the locked doors Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 1-3?

In the beginning of the story, the reader meets Mrs. Frisby, a mouse whose husband has died, and finds out where she lives on the farm. Timothy, Mrs. Frisby's son, is ill with pneumonia, and this causes her great concern. Mrs. Frisby goes to Mr. Ages, a wise old mouse, to get medicine for Timothy. When she is returning from seeing Mr. Ages, she saves Jeremy, a crow, from Dragon, the farmer's cat. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Mrs. Frisby's winter home?

In a buried cinder block in Mr. Fitzgibbon's vegetable garden. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mrs. Frisby find in the hollow stump?

A winter supply of food that had been left behind. Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of the story, how many weeks are there until Moving Day?

2 to 3 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Ages' fur.

Gray/white and it appeared to glow. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Mrs. Frisby's children?

Teresa, Martin, Cynthia, and Timothy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did they have to take Timothy to Mr. Ages when Mr. Frisby was alive?

He had been bitten by a spider. Signup and view all the answers

What advice of her late husband does Mrs. Frisby remember?

All doors are hard to unlock until you have the key. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mrs. Frisby not want to go home from Mr. Ages' house the same route she came?

That would have her traveling through the forest in the dark when nocturnal animals would be hunting for food. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase does not describe Dragon?

Green Eyes Signup and view all the answers

Identify Jeremy.

The crow who befriends Mrs. Frisby Signup and view all the answers

Who says that the size of an animal's brain is no measure of its capacity?

Mr. Frisby Signup and view all the answers

What upcoming event forces Mrs. Frisby to take risks and seek help?

Moving Day Signup and view all the answers

Why must all the animals move out of the garden when winter is over?

Farmer Fitzgibbon's plow will run over them if they stay Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't the Frisby's make their winter home in the barn lofts or attics like some field mice?

The Frisby's preferred the relative safety and freedom of the outdoors Signup and view all the answers

Why is the thawing frost a problem for the Frisby's?

It means plowing day will soon come and their safety will be in jeopardy Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Fitzgibbon have to wait an extra five days to plow?

He needs to order a new linch pin from Henderson's Signup and view all the answers

After Mrs. Frisby runs from Dragon and climbs the dead asparagus plant, what does she see beyond the cat?

Rats moving a piece of electrical cable Signup and view all the answers

Who is the oldest animal in the forest?

The owl Signup and view all the answers

What convinces Mrs. Frisby to go see the owl?

She thinks of Timothy and the big plow blade Signup and view all the answers

What is the best time to see the owl?

Dawn Signup and view all the answers

Why is Timothy not told his mother is going to see the owl?

They don't want him to worry or feel responsible for the risk his mother is taking Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Frisby hesitate before going into the owl's house?

She thinks the owl might eat her Signup and view all the answers

What is the owl's advice to Mrs. Frisby?

To go see the rat Nicodemus Signup and view all the answers

What does 'in the lee' mean?

On the calm side, the side the wind does not blow from Signup and view all the answers

How does Timothy know that Moving Day is near?

He smells the melting frost Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Dragon follow animals into the rose bush?

He is afraid of it Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Mrs. Frisby pushes the branch on the rose bush?

It opens like a swinging door Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Frisby encounters someone she knows in the rose bush. Who?

Mr. Ages Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase does NOT describe Justin?

Dark gray in color Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Frisby is astonished by many things in the corridor of the rat hole. Which of these is NOT something that astonished her?

Speakers playing music Signup and view all the answers

When do the rats collect the lights they use?

Around New Year's Day Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT something Mrs. Frisby notices about Nicodemus when she meets him?

He has a patch of black fur on his right ear Signup and view all the answers

Where does Justin take Mrs. Frisby to wait until the meeting finishes?

The library Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 11-13?

Chapters 11-13: Once in the rose bush, Mrs. Frisby learns that the rats have electricity, lights, and an elevator underground. She meets Nicodemus, the rat leader, and is taken to the library to wait for him. She starts learning about the Plan of the Rats of NIMH. While in the library, she meets a girl rat named Isabella who tells her some things about life in the rat colony. Isabella also tells her about Jenner, who deserted the colony because he didn't agree with the Plan. Mrs. Frisby doesn't get to ask her any more questions because Nicodemus comes in with Mr. Ages. They talk to Mrs. Frisby about moving her house and about the dangers of the cat, Dragon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 14-17?

Chapters 14-17: Mrs. Frisby learns that her husband died putting powder in Dragon's food. Nicodemus tells her about NIMH. He explains how the rats were caught and taken to a laboratory and given injections to speed up the training process. He tells the story of how Justin, a young rat, tried to escape one day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 18-20?

Chapters 18-20: Nicodemus continues telling his story to Mrs. Frisby and includes how the rats learned to read, how reading signs helped the rats escape from NIMH, and how they escaped with Jonathan and Mr. Ages. He explains how they found a place to live, the Boniface Estate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 21-23?

Chapters 21-23: Mrs. Frisby returns to the children and tells them the rats will help. She goes back to the rats the next day, and they show her the Main Hall and reveal their Plan. They want to become self-sufficient and live without stealing food. Nicodemus continues his story about Boniface Estate and a toy truck full of useful stuff they found, which was the catalyst for the Plan. To become self-sufficient, they plan to grow their own food in Thorn Valley. He also explains how and why Jenner did not agree with the Plan. Jenner thought the plan was for 'dreamers and idiots' and he didn't want to destroy the machines. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Porgy?

The Fitzgibbons' former canary Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul try to convince Billy to do, and what is his argument?

Release Mrs. Frisby because she's a wild animal and shouldn't be kept in a cage Signup and view all the answers

What happened at Henderson's hardware store?

Six or seven rats were electrocuted Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Federal government send a squad with a truckload of equipment to the hardware store?

Fred Smith had written an article entitled 'Mechanized Rats Invade Hardware Store,' and they suspected the rats were those missing from the lab. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Pal and Mr. Fitzgibbon believe the Public Health Service is so concerned about the rats?

They think the rats have rabies Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Justin simply open the door of Mrs. Frisby's cage?

He doesn't want Mr. Fitzgibbons to become suspicious Signup and view all the answers

Why does Justin believe Mrs. Frisby has brought the rats good luck?

She warns the rats about the exterminators who were coming to poison them Signup and view all the answers

Who does Justin believe the seven dead rats are?

Jenner and his friends Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem the rats encounter while trying to move Mrs. Frisby's house?

The shrew won't let the rats move Mrs. Frisby's house Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is something the rats did in order to move Mrs. Frisby's house?

They 'jacked it up' to get wheels under it Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brutus come to find Mrs. Frisby?

Nicodemus wants to see her Signup and view all the answers

Who does Nicodemus believe is coming to get the rats?

Men from NIMH Signup and view all the answers

What did the rats do to make the exterminators believe it was an ordinary rat hole?

They moved all the equipment to the cave and brought in garbage Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Frisby concerned that only seven rats exited the cave at first?

Three rats were missing, and she feared they were dead Signup and view all the answers

What do seven rats do to trick the exterminator?

They run out in groups making it look like dozens of rats are exiting the hole Signup and view all the answers

Who was the eighth rat that left the rat hole and fell unconscious?

Brutus Signup and view all the answers

Who do the children believe went back into the hole to save the rat who had fallen?

Justin Signup and view all the answers

Where do the Frisby's live in the summer?

Near a brook Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Frisby decide to tell the children about NIMH?

She believes they have a right to know because they might be different from other mice Signup and view all the answers

What does Martin want to do in the fall, and why?

Visit the rats with Jeremy's help Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of chapters 35-38?

In chapters 35-38, after discovering the rats' advanced capabilities, Mrs. Frisby learns about their past with NIMH, their plans to become self-sufficient, and the potential dangers they face from humans. Signup and view all the answers

What events occur in chapters 14-17?

Chapters 14-17 detail Mrs. Frisby's realization of her husband's death, the rats' origins in the lab and their subsequent escape, and the risks faced during that time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Mrs. Frisby: A widowed mouse; mother to four children, including sick son Timothy.
Timothy: Mrs. Frisby's son suffering from pneumonia.
Mr. Ages: A wise old mouse who provides medicine for Timothy.
Jeremy: A friendly crow saved by Mrs. Frisby from Dragon, the cat.
Dragon: The menacing cat belonging to Farmer Fitzgibbon.
Nicodemus: Leader of the rats, knowledgeable about their past and plans.
Isabella: A young rat who shares information about the rat colony.
Justin: A young rat who aids Mrs. Frisby and is involved in the colony's plans.
Jenner: A rat who disagrees with Nicodemus’s plans and defected from the colony.

Setting

Mrs. Frisby’s Home: Located in a buried cinderblock in Farmer Fitzgibbon’s vegetable garden, providing safety in winter.
Moving Day: An event at the end of winter when animals must leave their homes to avoid plowing by humans.

Plot Summary (Chapters 1-23)

Chapters 1-3: Introduction of Mrs. Frisby and her concerns for Timothy's health. She seeks help from Mr. Ages and saves Jeremy from Dragon.
Chapters 11-13: Mrs. Frisby visits the rat colony, discovering their advanced technology and their 'Plan' for self-sufficiency. She learns of Jenner’s desertion.
Chapters 14-17: Mrs. Frisby finds out that her husband died while attempting to put poison in Dragon’s food and learns about the rats' confinement at NIMH.
Chapters 18-20: Details the rats' escape from NIMH, their resourcefulness, and their new home at the Boniface Estate.
Chapters 21-23: Mrs. Frisby agrees to help the rats with their Plan and learns about their lifestyle and community efforts.

Themes

Survival and Adaptation: The rats’ evolution and the Plan to live independently without stealing food.
Courage and Sacrifice: Mrs. Frisby’s determination to save her family, risking her own safety.
Community and Cooperation: The collaboration between Mrs. Frisby and the rats in facing common threats.

Important Symbols

The Owl: Represents wisdom and guidance; provides crucial advice to Mrs. Frisby.
NIMH: Symbolizes the dangers of human experimentation and the quest for knowledge.
Thorn Valley: The rats' envisioned safe place; symbolizes hope and a new beginning.

Critical Events

Dragon’s Threat: The constant danger posed by Dragon that pushes Mrs. Frisby to seek help.
Moving Day: The immediate threat that forces the animals to act quickly.
Exterminator Encounter: Highlights the risks posed by humans and the necessity for the rats to remain hidden.

Key Quotes

Mr. Frisby’s advice about unlocking doors when you have the key symbolizes finding solutions to problems.
The discussion of the rats’ advanced technology (e.g., electricity and elevators) contrasts with their former living conditions.

Miscellaneous Facts

Animal Intelligence: Multiple references to intelligence evolving beyond natural instincts, as indicated by the rats’ ability to read and formulate plans.
Mrs. Frisby's List of Children: They include Teresa, Martin, and Cynthia, along with Timothy.### Mrs. Frisby's Attention
Mrs. Frisby is captivated by the radio in Nicodemus's office.

Nicodemus's Market Companions

Nicodemus typically goes to the market with his older brother Gerald and his friend Jenner.

Rats' Carelessness

The capture of the rats was due to their carelessness, which allowed the men to catch them.

Destination of Captured Rats

The captured rats, including Nicodemus and Jenner, are taken to a laboratory.

Nicodemus's Dislike of the Cage

Nicodemus dislikes his cage due to its size, feeling vulnerable, and simply because it is a cage, but not because it was filthy from previous occupants.

Rats' Lessons in Captivity

After their fear subsides, Nicodemus observes that uncertainty is the most challenging experience for the rats in captivity.

Group C Rats

Group C is distinguished as the control group, receiving no injections, unlike Groups A and B.

Purpose of Rats' Captivity

Dr. Schultz keeps the rats in captivity to test a serum aimed at increasing their intelligence.

Maze Trials

Nicodemus faces an electric shock if he navigates the wrong corridor in the maze, but as he practices, his completion time decreases.

Additional Tests

Apart from the maze, a shape recognizing test is also administered to the rats.

Justin's Escape

Justin successfully escapes from his cage by reading instructions underneath it.

Justin's Concerns

Justin hesitates to invite Nicodemus to explore the laboratory due to concerns about getting caught and the implications of their intelligence, not simply because Nicodemus is sleeping.

Thread Utilization

The rats steal a spool of thread to prevent getting lost while exploring the ducts.

Assistance for Mice

Jonathan the mouse requests Nicodemus to help open the cages of the mice for their escape.

Nicodemus's Decision on Mice

Nicodemus chooses to let the mice follow the rats through the air ducts.

Jenner's Concerns on Rat Escape

Jenner worries about the rats’ future living conditions and integration with other rats, but not about their self-defense.

Mice Incident in the Ducts

Six of the eight mice get blown away while traversing the air ducts.

Mice's Contribution to Rats' Escape

The mice play a crucial role in helping the rats escape by figuring out how to unlock doors.

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Description

This quiz covers a summary of Chapters 1-3 of 'Rats of Nimh.' Learn about Mrs. Frisby, her struggles with her son Timothy's illness, and her encounter with Mr. Ages and Jeremy the crow. Test your understanding of the characters and plot developments in these early chapters.