NAME:Section:Date:H.W.#

ELA/ sixth grade

“The Ransom of Red Chief” by O.Henry

Reading Comprehension Questions

The author: O. Henry ( William Sidney Porter)

Directions: Answer the following questions in well-developed sentences that fully address all parts of the question. Be sure you include examples from the story in your answer when it is required. Begin each answer using the TTQA (Turn the Question Around) method of responding. Use proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling in all of your responses.

  1. The setting of Summit, Alabama is an example of verbal irony. What is ironic about calling the town Summit? Hint: Think about the meaning of the word summit.
  1. From what point of view is this story told? Provide clear evidence of your answer with at least one direct quote from the story.
  1. What is the reason the kidnappers give for needing to come up with their kidnapping scheme? Why do they specificallyfocus on capturing Johnny Dorset (Red Chief)? Be sure to include quotes from the story to support your answer.
  1. The literary device motifis any element, subject, idea or concept that occurs frequently in literature or movies. (e.g. Wicked or evil characters are often described or displayed in dark clothing.) Find at least one motif in “The Ransom of Red Chief” and relate it to some other story, film, or television show you have watched. Be specific in your answer. (We have discussed this in class, so you should have several examples to use here.)
  1. Select two quotes from this short story that are examples of foreshadowing. Explain how each example helps the reader to predict future events in the story.

Quote 1/Explanation:

Quote 2/Explanation:

  1. “The Ransom of Red Chief” uses several examples of the figurative language tool of hyperbole (grand exaggeration usually for the purpose of humor). Provide two direct quotes that are examples of hyperbole and explain how each onesuccessfully add to the overall humor of this tale.
  1. Bill pleads with Sam to lower the original ransom demand from $2000 to $1500. Explain why Bill asks this of Sam. Use details and/or quotes from the story to support your answer.
  1. Explain why Ebenezer’s response to the kidnappers’ ransom note is situational irony?
  1. There are several examples of allusion in “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Choose one and research the historical or literature based reference. Note the allusion and then describe its relation to the events in the story. In other words, why does O. Henry choose to use the allusion in this story?
  1. Reread the last page of the story. How does Bill and Sam’s final time with Red Chief add to the tone of the story? (Tone is an attitude that the author is attempting to get across to the reader.) Think about whom O. Henry may be sympathizingwith the mostin this story. Find a quote in this last page that supports your thinking.