Shiloh Comprehension Chapters 1-8

Questions and Answers

The story takes place in _______________.

West Virginia

Marty is not allowed to have a pet because ________________.

his family can't afford it

Judd Travers has dogs because ________________.

he uses them to hunt

What was unusual about Marty's Sunday dinner?

Marty had to check his meat for buckshot Signup and view all the answers

Why did Marty choose to name the beagle Shiloh?

Marty first saw the beagle near the bridge in Shiloh Signup and view all the answers

Why has Marty never had a pet?

Marty's family was too poor to feed a pet Signup and view all the answers

Marty gives Shiloh _____________ to eat.

a hen's egg Signup and view all the answers

What did Judd do when Marty and his dad returned the dog?

Judd kicked the beagle Signup and view all the answers

Marty tries to earn money to buy Shiloh by _________________.

collecting cans to return for the deposit Signup and view all the answers

Judd doesn't name his dogs because _________________.

he doesn't care about them Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about Grandma Preston?

The Prestons send money for someone to take care of her Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marty not want David Howard to come over to his house?

David likes to play on the hill and Marty is afraid he will discover Shiloh Signup and view all the answers

Why did Marty think Judd had shot and killed the dog he found a year ago?

Judd mistreats Shiloh and he has said that if he loses one dog he will just buy another Signup and view all the answers

What kind of shelter does Marty build for Shiloh?

Marty builds a pen with a lean-to Signup and view all the answers

What kind of pet did David Howard get?

A hermit crab Signup and view all the answers

Why were people in town telling Marty's mom how to cure headaches?

Marty had lied about his mom having a headache so David wouldn't come over Signup and view all the answers

Why might Judd's treatment of his dogs be related to his own childhood?

He was beat by his father when he was young Signup and view all the answers

What are the four reasons why Marty doesn't like Judd Travers?

<ol> <li>He cheated Mr. Wallace out of money. 2. He spits chewing tobacco close to you if he doesn't like you. 3. He deliberately annoyed Marty at the fairgrounds. 4. He kills deer out of season.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Although the Prestons aren't completely poor, they don't save money. Why?

The money is sent to the grandmother who needs to be cared for Signup and view all the answers

Why is the mail delivery a big event for many people in Sisterville and Friendly?

People don't see each other much and so it’s a chance to connect with the rest of the world Signup and view all the answers

How does Marty keep Dara Lynn away from Shiloh's hiding place?

He tells her about a snake Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Marty ever shoot at anything moving?

He doesn't want to kill animals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The story is set in West Virginia, offering a rural backdrop that impacts the characters' lives.

Main Characters

Marty is a young boy whose family struggles financially, preventing him from having a pet.
Judd Travers is a hunter who mistreats his dogs, using them solely for hunting purposes.

Marty's Situation

Marty's family cannot afford a pet, which contributes to his feelings of isolation and longing.
He encounters a beagle, later named Shiloh, near a bridge while understanding the risks associated with pet ownership.
Marty starts collecting cans to save money to buy Shiloh, showcasing his determination and resourcefulness.

Shiloh's Importance

Shiloh represents hope and companionship for Marty amidst his family's financial difficulties.
Marty tries to care for Shiloh, feeding him a hen's egg even though he has no experience raising pets.

Judd Travers' Character

Judd's inhumane treatment of dogs, including kicking Shiloh, emphasizes his character as cruel and indifferent.
He does not name his dogs, indicating a lack of emotional connection or respect for them.
His behavior towards animals suggests a possible link to his own traumatic childhood experiences, indicating generational patterns of violence.

Family Dynamics

Grandma Preston relies on financial support from the family, creating additional strain on Marty's parents.
Marty's relationship with his family is influenced by their economic challenges and the need to care for elderly relatives.

Interpersonal Relationships

Marty feels uncomfortable around his friend David Howard, fearing that David might discover his secret about Shiloh.
Lies about his mother's headaches highlight Marty's desire to protect his new friend and keep Shiloh hidden.

Community and Isolation

The local community relies heavily on mail delivery as a significant event for social interaction, signaling a sense of isolation and disconnection.
Marty's attempt to divert his sister Dara Lynn from Shiloh's hiding place by talking about a snake reveals his protective instincts.

Personal Ethics

Marty refrains from hunting or shooting moving animals due to his compassion and respect for life, distinguishing his values from those of Judd.
The story reflects themes of compassion, the struggle for survival, and the impact of poverty on relationships and moral choices.

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Description

This quiz focuses on comprehension of chapters 1-8 from the novel 'Shiloh'. Questions cover key events, characters, and themes that arise early in the story. Test your understanding of the main plot points and character motivations.