The Moon Is Down Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

From where does the title of the book come?

The title is a line from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

What does 'recalcitrant' mean and to whom would it apply in this book?

It means 'resisting authority or control'; it would apply to the townspeople, particularly Mayor Orden.

What is the name of the town that is invaded by the German force?

It is never named.

How many soldiers are there in the town in Chapter 1?

There are twelve soldiers in the local military force. Signup and view all the answers

Who commands the German invasion force, and how many men does he say he has?

Colonel Lanser, and he mentions having at least 20 men. Signup and view all the answers

Who makes it possible for the town to be invaded, and how?

Mr. Correll; he gets opposing forces out of town and provides intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'clandestine' mean, and to whom does it apply in Chapter 1?

Clandestine acts are done in secrecy for subversion, applying to Mr. Correll's actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Colonel Lanser say he wants to avoid?

More bloodshed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Correll's occupation, and what does he want to be?

He is the storekeeper and wants to be the mayor. Signup and view all the answers

Mayor Orden lives where, and with whom?

He lives in The Palace with Madame Orden and his employees Joseph and Annie. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the house searched for weapons?

Captain Bentick. Signup and view all the answers

What weapons are found in the mayor's house, and how did the Germans know they were there?

A shotgun and a hunting rifle; Mr. Correll informed the Germans. Signup and view all the answers

What does Colonel Lanser want from Mayor Orden?

He wants to billet his staff in The Palace and cooperate for resource control. Signup and view all the answers

What is Winter's occupation in the town, both officially and unofficially?

He is the town doctor and unofficial historian. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Colonel Lanser wish to live in The Palace?

To make the townsfolk more tranquil by appearing to collaborate. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Annie mad enough to throw boiling water on the soldiers?

They are staring through the window at her from the back porch. Signup and view all the answers

How is the aura of the newly-invaded town described?

Surreal. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that Lanser takes over the upper floors of The Palace?

It indicates who is in charge and elevates the Germans to the upper class. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Hunter, and what kind of man is he?

An engineer, Captain Hunter is a bit too practical. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pipe-smoker, Captain Bentick, lack, and where does he want to live?

He lacks ambition and wants to live in England. Signup and view all the answers

The opposite of Bentick, what is different about Captain Loft?

He is young, knows more about deportment, and wants to be a general. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think that Steinbeck used the word 'Loft' for the name of Captain Loft?

Perhaps because he has 'lofty' ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What did Prackle do before entering the military, and to whose face is his own countenance compared?

He loved to dance, and his face is compared to that of Hitler. Signup and view all the answers

How many wars has Lanser been in, and what does he think war changes?

Lanser has been in two wars and thinks war changes nothing. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lanser view his own men?

Like children playing war. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Loft get mad at Bentick?

Lanser gets mad at Bentick for wearing a fatigue hat instead of a helmet. Signup and view all the answers

Who has a pin-up of a glamorous woman, and who objects due to the nature of their quarters?

Prackle has a pin-up, and Loft objects. Signup and view all the answers

How do the townspeople display their sullenness in Chapter 3?

Through lazy work, daily movements, and muttered words. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there to be a trial, where is it being held, and why?

A German officer was killed by a townsman; the trial is in The Palace to show cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Who killed Captain Bentick?

Alex Morden. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the man who killed Captain Bentick trying to hit with his pick?

Captain Loft. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Annie have a big reputation in the town?

She threw boiling water at soldiers and got away with it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Joseph's biggest concern as they move the table into the parlor for the trial?

That the furniture will be scuffed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph do that impresses Annie?

He confides to her that several townspeople have escaped to England. Signup and view all the answers

What does Annie think will incite rebellion in the town?

An execution. Signup and view all the answers

What does the news that people are escaping to England do to Annie?

It makes her hopeful. Signup and view all the answers

To what does Mayor Orden compare his situation when speaking to Dr. Winter before the trial?

A balancing act. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Winter think Orden should do, and why does he think the Germans are having a public trial?

Winter thinks Orden should be himself; he believes the trial is to incite fear. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think that Joseph is Mayor Orden's most practical servant?

He doesn't let his emotions control him. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Colonel Lanser want to sit in judgment of the accused murderer, and why?

He wants Mayor Orden on the panel to show local government support. Signup and view all the answers

When Mayor Orden refuses to do as he is asked, who does Colonel Lanser put on the panel of judges?

Mr. Correll. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Winter say the town will always fight for?

Freedom. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Title and Literary Reference

"The Moon Is Down" derives its title from a line in Shakespeare's "Macbeth".

Vocabulary and Concepts

Recalcitrant: Refers to resisting authority or control; applicable to the townspeople who oppose Colonel Lanser, notably Mayor Orden's reluctance for Lanser to stay in The Palace.
Clandestine: Means secretive acts aimed at deception; exemplified by Mr. Correll's covert assistance to the Germans during the invasion.

Setting and Characters

The invaded town is unnamed throughout the narrative.
The local military force consists of twelve soldiers.
Colonel Lanser leads the German invasion force and estimates his men to number over 20, as he mentions the number responsible for a specific attack.
Mr. Correll plays a crucial role in facilitating the invasion by removing opposing forces and supplying intelligence.

Dynamics of Occupation

Colonel Lanser aims to avoid further bloodshed and seeks cooperation from Mayor Orden to facilitate German control over local resources.
Mayor Orden resides in The Palace with Madame Orden and their employees, Joseph and Annie.
Captain Bentick conducts searches for weapons, discovering items like a shotgun and hunting rifle, the presence of which was informed to the Germans by Correll.

Town Characters and Relationships

Winter functions as both the town doctor and historian.
Annie incites conflict when she throws boiling water at soldiers who leer at her from the porch.
The mood within the newly occupied town is described as surreal, highlighting the disconnection between the previous state of normalcy and the current invasion.

Military Personnel

Colonel Lanser has participated in two wars, believing that war fundamentally changes nothing, viewing his men as children playing at combat.

Confrontation and Rebellion

The town displays sullenness through residents' lethargic behaviors and whispered grievances.
A trial is held in The Palace as a show of the local government's cooperation after townspeople killed Captain Bentick.
Alex Morden is identified as Captain Bentick's killer, having actually aimed for Captain Loft.

Resistance and Hope

Annie grows renowned in the town for her act of rebellion against the soldiers by throwing boiling water, marking a key moment of resistance.
Joseph expresses concern over maintaining the furniture's condition while preparing for the trial, and makes an impressive revelation to Annie about townspeople escaping to England, instilling her with hope.
Dr. Winter suggests to Mayor Orden that he should remain true to himself while acknowledging that the public trial is intended to sow fear among the populace.

Authority and Judgment

Colonel Lanser wishes for Mayor Orden to serve as a judge in the trial to signify local government endorsement; when Orden refuses, Mr. Correll is appointed instead.
Dr. Winter articulates that the essence of the town's struggle lies in their eternal quest for freedom.

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Test your knowledge of the first three chapters of 'The Moon Is Down' with these flashcards. The quiz covers key themes, vocabulary, and important references, including the origin of the book's title. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.