Podcast
Questions and Answers
What emotion does the narrator primarily experience while harnessing the mules?
What emotion does the narrator primarily experience while harnessing the mules?
How does the narrator feel about Maude's presence during their time on the prairie?
How does the narrator feel about Maude's presence during their time on the prairie?
What does the narrator think about as they drive on through the night?
What does the narrator think about as they drive on through the night?
What significant action does the narrator take after discovering the rifle?
What significant action does the narrator take after discovering the rifle?
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What do the curtains down on the wagon symbolize for the narrator?
What do the curtains down on the wagon symbolize for the narrator?
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How does the narrator describe the prairie at night?
How does the narrator describe the prairie at night?
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What is the narrator's attitude towards the task of driving the wagon?
What is the narrator's attitude towards the task of driving the wagon?
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What does the whimpering sound inside the wagon signify for the narrator?
What does the whimpering sound inside the wagon signify for the narrator?
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What prompted the narrator to remain still and hidden near the wagon?
What prompted the narrator to remain still and hidden near the wagon?
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Which action did the narrator take when they realized the men were cutting loose the mules?
Which action did the narrator take when they realized the men were cutting loose the mules?
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How did the narrator react to the recoil of the carbine after firing?
How did the narrator react to the recoil of the carbine after firing?
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What does the narrator instruct Maude to do after firing the shot?
What does the narrator instruct Maude to do after firing the shot?
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What was the state of the Indian after being shot by the narrator?
What was the state of the Indian after being shot by the narrator?
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What emotional response did Maude have upon seeing the Indian's body?
What emotional response did Maude have upon seeing the Indian's body?
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What thought crossed the narrator's mind when they saw the Indians?
What thought crossed the narrator's mind when they saw the Indians?
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What condition is the narrator's mother in during the unfolding events?
What condition is the narrator's mother in during the unfolding events?
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What can be inferred about the narrator's relationship with Maude?
What can be inferred about the narrator's relationship with Maude?
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How does the narrator's emotional state affect their ability to pray?
How does the narrator's emotional state affect their ability to pray?
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What role does the environment play in the narrator's feelings?
What role does the environment play in the narrator's feelings?
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What does the narrator's action of hugging the carbine signify?
What does the narrator's action of hugging the carbine signify?
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What does the narrator's inability to sleep suggest about their psychological state?
What does the narrator's inability to sleep suggest about their psychological state?
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What does Maude's reaction to sleeping inside reveal about her character?
What does Maude's reaction to sleeping inside reveal about her character?
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How does the narrator's choice to lie down under the wagon illustrate their mindset?
How does the narrator's choice to lie down under the wagon illustrate their mindset?
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What is the significance of the narrator mentioning the grocery supplies?
What is the significance of the narrator mentioning the grocery supplies?
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Study Notes
Spoil the Child (1938) by Howard Fast
- The narrator, a young boy, tries to ride a mule, and is punished by his mother.
- The boy's father left early in the morning, going out hunting.
- The mother was ill and tired-looking.
- The boy's sister, Maude, was present and witnessed the events.
- The mother scolded the boy, and slapped him, for touching the mules.
- The father was absent for an extensive period of time, leaving the mother and children alone.
- The boy's mother was concerned about his father's perceived laziness.
- The mother wanted the boy to behave himself and stay away from the mules.
- The boy was considered a troubled child by his mother, with a troublesome personality.
- The boy recounts an event where he was punished for trying to ride a mule.
- The boy's mother was worried about their financial situation.
- The family was living in a harsh, rural environment.
- The family moved from place to place, suggestive of a nomadic lifestyle.
- The text portrays a difficult relationship between the narrator and his mother.
- The text reveals a strained relationship and possible emotional trauma for the child.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Howard Fast's 'Spoil the Child'. This quiz covers the themes of familial relationships, poverty, and the challenges faced by a young boy in a harsh rural environment. Explore how the dynamics between the boy and his parents shape the narrative and impact his upbringing.
