The Return of the Rag Picker Ch 8

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic of the starflowers is highlighted in the description?

They grow in clusters only.

They have bright yellow petals.

They have large, sturdy stems.

They have seven graceful white petals. (correct)

How does Og feel about his ability to identify wildflowers?

He finds wildflowers easy to identify.

He feels frustrated due to limited knowledge. (correct)

He is confident in his knowledge.

He is indifferent about wildflowers.

What was unusual about the weather on the morning described in the chapter?

It was raining heavily.

It was unusually cold for spring.

A strong wind was blowing.

There was no air movement at all. (correct)

What does Og suggest about the world beneath the shrubbery?

It is a world of noise and activity. Signup and view all the answers

What was Og's expectation regarding Simon's cabin?

It would be similar to log cabins in the area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental concern mentioned in the conversation?

Acid rain resulting from pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What is Simon's relationship with the cabin he lives in?

It belonged to a wealthy lady's son who died. Signup and view all the answers

How does Simon receive his groceries?

He has them delivered by a local store owner. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon keep full in memory of his dog, Lazarus?

A bowl of dry dog food and water Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon express about dedicating books to dogs?

He finds it a touchstone of love and respect. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event occurred just before Franklin Pierce's presidential inauguration?

His son died in a train accident. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aftermath of the deaths in Franklin Pierce's family?

His leadership abilities declined. Signup and view all the answers

Which quality did Franklin Pierce notably lose due to his personal tragedies?

Ambition Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial political role of Franklin Pierce at the age of twenty-five?

State Legislator Signup and view all the answers

How did Jane Pierce react to the death of their son Benny?

She distanced herself from Franklin. Signup and view all the answers

What was Franklin Pierce's rank during the Mexican War?

Brigadier General Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the personal losses on Franklin Pierce's presidency?

He struggled to make decisive decisions. Signup and view all the answers

How did Franklin Pierce's presidency come to an end politically?

His party refused to nominate him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the public's reaction to Franklin Pierce's leadership during his presidency?

They criticized him for his lack of action on slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Franklin Pierce face during his time in office?

Growing tensions over slavery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simon’s Cabin

Simon’s cabin is located off Old Pound Road in Langville, New Hampshire
It’s a tiny shack with loose gray wooden shingles
The cabin is owned by a wealthy lady from Francestown
The cabin’s interior is paneled in knotty pine with burgundy drapes
There is a narrow bed, a wicker sofa, a rolltop desk, a stove and a refrigerator
The cabin is immaculate and contains furnishings from the previous owner

Simon’s Past

Simon had a basset hound named Lazarus in Chicago
Simon dedicated his book “The Greatest Salesman in the World, Part Two” to his dog Slippers
Simon keeps Lazarus’ dog bowl filled in memory of his dog

Simon’s Views

Simon believes that Thoreau would be outraged if he were alive today
Simon believes that massive amounts of sulfur dioxide from power plants and car exhausts are polluting Langville
Simon believes that the problems of big cities are rapidly catching up with us even in peaceful isolation
Simon believes that acid rain and smog are killing many trees in New Hampshire

Franklin Pierce’s Life

Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States
He was from New Hampshire and was a former governor and attorney
He was the youngest member of the U.S. Senate at the age of 33
He was elected president in 1852 at the age of 48

Franklin Pierce’s Family Tragedy

Pierce’s first son died three days after birth in 1834
Pierce’s second son died from typhus in 1841
Pierce’s third son, Benny, died in a train accident in 1852
Pierce’s wife, Jane, blamed Pierce for Benny’s death and held a grudge
Jane never recovered from Benny’s death and became mentally disturbed

Franklin Pierce’s Presidency

Pierce was considered a strong man but became timid and weak during his presidency
He was not nominated for a second term because his party was unhappy with his performance
He returned to Concord as a broken man

Simon’s View on Franklin Pierce

Simon believes that he could have helped Pierce by counseling his wife, Jane
He believes that Jane’s mental state and the lack of support put a burden on Pierce
Simon believes that Pierce was a great leader but was unable to prevent civil war because of the pressures he was facing.

Simon’s Writing

Simon has been writing for a year at his cabin
He believes that he has covered all the necessary principles for changing one’s life for the better.
Simon is working on a book and believes that the narrator could help him with it

Simon’s View on the Narrator

Simon believes that the narrator is in the “hope business” and that his books give people hope
Simon believes the narrator’s writing gives people hope during tough times
Simon asks the narrator to help him with his book to address a global illness

Simon and His Friend

Simon, an elderly man, is working on a life-changing manuscript with the help of Mister Og, a writer.
Simon has a special friend, a great blue heron, named Franklin.
Franklin is a large bird with distinctive blue-violet plumage and a yellow bill.
Franklin's nest is located in a beaver and lily pond near Simon's cabin.
Simon rescued Franklin from a tangle of wild grapevines.
Franklin visits Simon daily, bringing him gifts like aluminum cans, glass bottles, and other objects.
Simon is grateful for Franklin's visits and considers them a reward for rescuing him.

The Manuscript

Simon and Mister Og are collaborating on a "life-changing treasure" that is intended to be a manifesto affecting all humanity.
The manuscript is intended to be a collection of Simon's life lessons and hard-learned wisdom.
Mister Og is responsible for shaping Simon's notes into a compelling and impactful document.
The manuscript does not yet have a name, and Simon hopes Mister Og will find an appropriate title.

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Description

Explore the details of Simon's Cabin located in Langville, New Hampshire, owned by a wealthy lady. Discover Simon's past, his beloved dogs, and his environmental views that reflect on contemporary issues. This quiz will test your knowledge of Simon's life and his opinions on nature and urban problems.