The House of Dies Drear Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What mixed emotions does Thomas have about moving?

He is excited and curious because he wants to know what it looks like and if it is really haunted like the legend says.

What reveals that Thomas has a close relationship with his grandmother?

He goes to her house every spring and paints her fence, and he is really going to miss her when they move.

What are the differences in the emotions that Mr. Small, Mrs. Small, and Thomas have?

Thomas is excited about the new house, his father is unsure about the new house, and the mother is uneasy.

Why does Thomas think it is significant that his father is teaching about the Civil War and they live in Ohio?

Ohio is where many slaves escaped to get to Canada because it has the Underground Railroad. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Thomas call Billy and Buster 'Fine brothers'?

He thinks they have sidekick ability. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Thomas's father select the new house?

He has always wanted to live in a house connected to the Underground Railroad. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the abolitionist Dies Drear return slaves to the South? What does this suggest about those returning slaves?

Dies Drear sent those slaves back so they could rescue other slaves. The returning slaves are obviously very brave and unselfish. Signup and view all the answers

What is the legend about the House of Dies Drear?

The legend is that there are 3 ghosts in the house, 2 slaves and Dies Drear. The 2 slaves got killed when they went back because Dies Drear told them to, and then their ghost spirits killed Dies Drear. They remain in the House of Dies Drear to this day. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Small's impression of Pluto?

Mr. Small thinks Pluto is an old strange man. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Small's reaction when Thomas mentions the third slave? Why does he react this way?

Mr. Small got mad at Thomas when he mentioned the third slave and told him to never mention the third slave ever. This makes Thomas think that his father is hiding something about the third slave and the house. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'nestled' mean?

Cuddled. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'eccentric' mean?

Strange/peculiar. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'spry' mean?

Active. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'craven' mean?

Cowardly. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'subdued' mean?

Calmed. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'desolation' mean?

Loneliness. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bondage' mean?

Slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thomas's Emotions About Moving

Mixed feelings: Thomas experiences excitement and curiosity about the move to the new house, particularly its haunted reputation.
Cultural connection: The move sparks interest in the historical significance of the house.

Family Dynamics

Close relationship with grandmother: Thomas regularly visits his grandmother in spring, painting her fence, indicating strong familial bonds.
Emotional impact of moving: He expresses concern about missing her when they relocate.

Family Members' Reactions

Thomas: Excited about the potential adventures in the new house.
Mr. Small (father): Unsure and cautious regarding the new living situation.
Mrs. Small (mother): Displays uneasiness about the move.

Historical Context

Significance of Ohio: Father’s teaching about the Civil War in Ohio, a pivotal escape route on the Underground Railroad for many slaves heading to Canada.
Link to the Underground Railroad: Thomas’s father aims to live in a house tied to this important historical movement.

Friendships

Naming of friends: Thomas refers to his friends Billy and Buster as "Fine brothers" for their loyalty and sidekick qualities.

Selection of House

Purposeful choice: Thomas’s father selects the house specifically for its connection to the Underground Railroad, showcasing his interest in this historical narrative.

Legend of Dies Drear

Ghostly lore: The house is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of two slaves and Dies Drear, who suffered tragic fates related to their actions during the struggle for freedom.

Mr. Small’s Perspectives

Views on Pluto: Mr. Small perceives Pluto as an eccentric, old man, indicating a degree of suspicion or wariness.
Reaction to the third slave: Mr. Small becomes angry when Thomas mentions the third slave, suggesting he may be concealing critical information about the house’s past.

Vocabulary

Nestled: Means to be cuddled; suggests comfort and safety.
Eccentric: Refers to something that is strange or peculiar; implies uniqueness in character.
Spry: Describes someone who is active and lively, often used for older individuals.
Craven: Indicates cowardliness; reflects a lack of courage in situations.
Subdued: Means calmed or softened; often relates to emotions.
Desolation: Evokes a sense of loneliness or abandonment; severe emotional state.
Bondage: A term synonymous with slavery; denotes a state of being trapped or enslaved.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapters 1 and 2 of 'The House of Dies Drear' with these flashcards. Explore Thomas's emotions about moving and his relationship with his grandmother as you tackle key concepts from the text.