O. Henry

We have begun working on short stories that have surprise endings. The students are currently working on the following assignment:

“The Ransom of Red Chief” -20pts

1. What is the setting (place) of the story?

2. Why is this a good setting for a kidnapping?

3. Why do Bill and Sam choose Ebenezer Dorset’s son to kidnap?

4. Tell two things the boy does before he is kidnapped that should have warned Bill and Sam that he would be trouble.

5. How does the boy react to being at camp? Use details to support your answer.

6. What does Bill find out when he goes to see if people are searching for the kidnapped boy? Did you expect him to see this? Why or Why not?

7. What do you think that Bill is secretly hoping when he asks Sam if he thinks Red Chief will run away?

8. Write a summary of Red Chief’s mischievous activities so far in the story.

9. What are the terms of the ransom note?

10. Do you believe that the kidnappers will get what they have asked for? Make a prediction for the ending.