The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry
"The Ransom of Red Chief" is written by William Syndey Porter, also known by his pseudonym O. Henry. The story is story is located on pages 48-57 of your McDougal Littell Literature textbook.
Summary: Bill and Sam are con men who kidnap the son of a prominent citizen in a small town and hold him for a $2,000 ransom. The boy, who insists on being called Red Chief, terrorizes Bill until Bill begs Sam to reduce the ransom. In reply to the ransom note, the boy's father offers to take his son back if the men will pay him $250. The men agree and happily leave the boy, their money, and the town behind.
Standards:
Learning Objectives:
Reading Skills/Strategies: Making Predictions
Literary Skills: inferences; figurative language (simile, metaphor, ); irony (verbal, situational); conflict and resolution
Essential Question(s):
Summary: Bill and Sam are con men who kidnap the son of a prominent citizen in a small town and hold him for a $2,000 ransom. The boy, who insists on being called Red Chief, terrorizes Bill until Bill begs Sam to reduce the ransom. In reply to the ransom note, the boy's father offers to take his son back if the men will pay him $250. The men agree and happily leave the boy, their money, and the town behind.
Standards:
Learning Objectives:
Reading Skills/Strategies: Making Predictions
Literary Skills: inferences; figurative language (simile, metaphor, ); irony (verbal, situational); conflict and resolution
Essential Question(s):
Let's Get Started . . .
1. Complete Reflection 5 in your Digital Journals.
Reflection 5
Tell me about a time when one of the following phrases applied to one of your situations:
1) “It seemed like a good idea at the time . . .” or
2) “Expect the unexpected . . . .”
2. Read the Author Online section on O. Henry (MLL pg. 47).
Reflection 5
Tell me about a time when one of the following phrases applied to one of your situations:
1) “It seemed like a good idea at the time . . .” or
2) “Expect the unexpected . . . .”
2. Read the Author Online section on O. Henry (MLL pg. 47).
Vocabulary
Before reading the story, please study the Quizlet vocabulary set (below) for "The Ransom of Red Chief." Remember, with Quizlet, you can choose how you learn and study your vocabulary. (Suggestion: Use Flashcards with the word and definition shown to learn how to pronounce the words along with their denotations.)
The Ransom of Red Chief (Guided Reading)
3. Read "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry (MLL pg. 48-57). As a learning support, I have embedded a guided reading (below) for your convenience. Tip: The actual reading of the story begins at 3:30.
After Reading
4. Complete Reflection 6a/6b
Reflection 6a
1. What is a parody?
2. What is satire?
3. What is a farce?
4. What is the difference between a parody, satire, and a farce?
5. Identify a few of the humorous elements of "The Ransom of Red Chief" (TRRC).
6. What element(s)/literary device(s) did O. Henry embed into TRRC to create humor.
7. How did the "funny moments" and/or humorous elements in the story contribute to the story being deemed a parody (comedy)? Explain your answer.
Reflection 6b
4th period only
Which character(s) rise in luck or fortune through the story? Explain how.
5. Complete the Character Conflict Graphic Organizer for "The Ransom of Red Chief."
6. Complete The Ransom of Red Chief Questions.
Alternative: MLL pg. 59 (1-3, 5-8)
Reflection 6a
1. What is a parody?
2. What is satire?
3. What is a farce?
4. What is the difference between a parody, satire, and a farce?
5. Identify a few of the humorous elements of "The Ransom of Red Chief" (TRRC).
6. What element(s)/literary device(s) did O. Henry embed into TRRC to create humor.
7. How did the "funny moments" and/or humorous elements in the story contribute to the story being deemed a parody (comedy)? Explain your answer.
Reflection 6b
4th period only
Which character(s) rise in luck or fortune through the story? Explain how.
5. Complete the Character Conflict Graphic Organizer for "The Ransom of Red Chief."
6. Complete The Ransom of Red Chief Questions.
Alternative: MLL pg. 59 (1-3, 5-8)
Is Any Plan Foolproof?
Students have been exempted from this activity.
Compare and Contrast
7. Using a Venn diagram, watch the film adaptation of The Ransom of Red Chief and compare it to the short story written by O. Henry.
Having trouble viewing the film adaptation of The Ransom of Red Chief? Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1RjEQTodLU
8. After watching the movie, click on your period's Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer. Follow the instructions listed on the shared Google Doc.
1st period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
4th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
6th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
7th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
1st period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
4th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
6th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
7th period Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
Elements in the Story: Irony
Quickwrite 7
1. What is irony? (You may list the denotation or define the term in your own words. )
2 What are the three types of irony used in literature?
3. Define each type of irony. Provide at least one example for each type of irony listed. (The examples do not have to be from the story.)
Pro Tip: Use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 3x4 graphic organizer inside of your Quickwrite 7. Column 1 should list the types of irony. Column 2 should define the three types of irony. Column 3 should present examples (sentences and/or scenarios) of the types of irony. See the image below for an example of how your Quickwrite should look. (Ignore Question #4.)
Use the video below on Situational, Verbal, and Dramatic Irony to help you complete your Quickwrite.
Having trouble viewing the video on The Three Types of Irony? Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1bfOBBl6pQ
1. What is irony? (You may list the denotation or define the term in your own words. )
2 What are the three types of irony used in literature?
3. Define each type of irony. Provide at least one example for each type of irony listed. (The examples do not have to be from the story.)
Pro Tip: Use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 3x4 graphic organizer inside of your Quickwrite 7. Column 1 should list the types of irony. Column 2 should define the three types of irony. Column 3 should present examples (sentences and/or scenarios) of the types of irony. See the image below for an example of how your Quickwrite should look. (Ignore Question #4.)
Use the video below on Situational, Verbal, and Dramatic Irony to help you complete your Quickwrite.
Having trouble viewing the video on The Three Types of Irony? Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1bfOBBl6pQ
Having trouble viewing the video on The Three Types of Irony? Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1bfOBBl6pQ
Reflection 8
What examples of irony can be found in O. Henry’s “The Ransom of Red Chief”?
Use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 2x6 chart that is two-columns and at least six rows. (You can add additional rows to your chart if needed.) Label the first column Type of Irony. Label the second column Examples Found in TRRC. List examples of irony found in “The Ransom of Red
Chief” (TRRC) in your chart. Do not forgot to also specify your example’s type of irony. (Need help? Click here for an interesting read on O. Henry, irony, and "The Ransom of Red Chief." You can also try using this annotated copy of TRRC.)
Reflection 8
What examples of irony can be found in O. Henry’s “The Ransom of Red Chief”?
Use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 2x6 chart that is two-columns and at least six rows. (You can add additional rows to your chart if needed.) Label the first column Type of Irony. Label the second column Examples Found in TRRC. List examples of irony found in “The Ransom of Red
Chief” (TRRC) in your chart. Do not forgot to also specify your example’s type of irony. (Need help? Click here for an interesting read on O. Henry, irony, and "The Ransom of Red Chief." You can also try using this annotated copy of TRRC.)
Quickwrite 9
Complete question #8 on MLL pg. 59. Please write the question and then answer appropriately. (MLL is an abbreviation for your literature textbook.)
O. Henry’s short stories remain popular with readers in part because they often have surprise endings. Read the article “Manuscript Found in an Attic” (MLL pg. 58). What do you think the author means when he describes it as “a story about O. Henry that was an O. Henry story itself”?
Bonus Question: Many will claim that “O. Henry” lived a life of irony. Why? (Hint: He died in 1910)
Complete question #8 on MLL pg. 59. Please write the question and then answer appropriately. (MLL is an abbreviation for your literature textbook.)
O. Henry’s short stories remain popular with readers in part because they often have surprise endings. Read the article “Manuscript Found in an Attic” (MLL pg. 58). What do you think the author means when he describes it as “a story about O. Henry that was an O. Henry story itself”?
Bonus Question: Many will claim that “O. Henry” lived a life of irony. Why? (Hint: He died in 1910)
Elements in the Story: Figurative Language
Quickwrite 10
Show off your digital skills and use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 2x8 chart that is two-columns and at least eight rows. Label the first column Examples of Figurative Language in TRRC. Label the second column Type of Figurative Language. Identify the listed examples of figurative language found in “The Ransom of Red Chief” (TRRC) in your chart. (Need help? Try using this annotated copy of TRRC.)
Show off your digital skills and use the Insert Table function in Word Online to create a 2x8 chart that is two-columns and at least eight rows. Label the first column Examples of Figurative Language in TRRC. Label the second column Type of Figurative Language. Identify the listed examples of figurative language found in “The Ransom of Red Chief” (TRRC) in your chart. (Need help? Try using this annotated copy of TRRC.)
- "a kind of sign from Bill, like a horse gives out when you take his saddle off" (lines 145-146)
- "two-legged skyrocket of a kid" line 173
- "war whoop, such as David might have emitted when he knocked out the champion Goliath" (lines 142-143)
- "shook him until his freckles rattled" (line 155)
- Sam’s reference to King Herod (lines 150-154)
- "That boy put up a fight like a welter-weight cinnamon bear"(lines 34-35)
- The many references to wolves and lamb/sheep are examples of what? (lines 119-121) Note: This example can be more than one device.
Elements in the Story: Theme
Quickwrite 11
- What is the denotation for theme?
- List a theme/thematic message found in “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Explain how the text supports your selected theme(s).
Let's Start Studying for Your Test
Click here to complete the Quizziz homework game for "The Ransom of Red Chief." Enter game code: 1862 7325. (If you are having problems with the link, go to join.quizzizz.com and enter in the game code.
Ready for a Project?
Students have been exempted from this activity/assignment.
The Great Debate (Understanding Theme)
Perspective/Point of View
Project
The Great Debate (Understanding Theme)
Perspective/Point of View
Project
Reflection
Reflection 12
- How did you do on your The Ransom of Red Chief Test? (Include your score in your answer.)
- Choose one to answer: What things will you work on next time to better prepare for your next test? What things will you continue to do in order to receive good grades on your tests?
Interested in Extra Credit?
Illustration: "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry
Task: Create a project worthy picture of Johnny Dorsett, Bill, or Sam. Your will work must be based upon textual evidence. You will need to use the details infused throughout the story produce an accurate work. In order to receive credit, your picture must be high in quality, a final draft (little to no visible errors), a true representation of your selected character as described in the story, and your work must be produced on copy paper, a poster board, or a canvas. Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. If you do not have artistic abilities, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this assignment, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 23, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Scene Illustration/Movie Poster: "The Ransom of Red Chief"
Circumstance: Individual (This assignment must be completed individually by the student.)
Task: Create an original project worthy illustration of a scene in O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief." (Alternative: You may also create a cover illustration for the story or a movie poster for the story's film adaptation.) Your will work must be based upon textual evidence. (You will need to use the details infused throughout the story to produce an accurate work.) In order to receive credit, your picture must be high in quality, a final draft (little to no visible errors), a true representation of the story as represented in the novel. Your work must be produced on copy paper, a poster board, or a canvas.
Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. If you do not have artistic abilities, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this assignment, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 23, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Helpful Hint: View the slideshow gallery below for examples of excellent illustrations of scenes from "The Ransom of Red Chief."
Task: Create an original project worthy illustration of a scene in O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief." (Alternative: You may also create a cover illustration for the story or a movie poster for the story's film adaptation.) Your will work must be based upon textual evidence. (You will need to use the details infused throughout the story to produce an accurate work.) In order to receive credit, your picture must be high in quality, a final draft (little to no visible errors), a true representation of the story as represented in the novel. Your work must be produced on copy paper, a poster board, or a canvas.
Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. If you do not have artistic abilities, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this assignment, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 23, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Helpful Hint: View the slideshow gallery below for examples of excellent illustrations of scenes from "The Ransom of Red Chief."
Movie Trailer: "The Ransom of Red Chief"
Circumstance: Individual, with a partner, or in a group. (This assignment can be completed individually, with a partner, or in a group.)
Task: Create an original movie trailer for "The Ransom of Red Chief." Your film adaptation should be based upon the actual characters and events in the story. You must provide me with a copy of your project via USB, DVD, or as a file attachment. Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong visual arts and production skills. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 30, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Task: Create an original movie trailer for "The Ransom of Red Chief." Your film adaptation should be based upon the actual characters and events in the story. You must provide me with a copy of your project via USB, DVD, or as a file attachment. Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong visual arts and production skills. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 30, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Newspaper Article: The Ransom of Red Chief
Circumstance: Individual (This assignment must be completed individually by the student.)
Task: Create what you imagine would be one of the newspaper articles printed after the resolution of "The Ransom of Red Chief." Your article must typed, in the format of a newsletter/newspaper article, and based upon the textual evidence listed in the story. In order to successfully complete this task, you will need to expertly reread this story, search for information, details, in addition to background information, and then construct a story based upon your investigative reading. Your article must be high in quality, a final draft ( with little to no visible errors), an an accurate representation of something that may have been reported after the story. You will need to have all of the components of a newspaper/newsletter contained in your work. I will not accept any handwritten work.
Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong reading comprehension skills and excellent writing abilities. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 23, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Task: Create what you imagine would be one of the newspaper articles printed after the resolution of "The Ransom of Red Chief." Your article must typed, in the format of a newsletter/newspaper article, and based upon the textual evidence listed in the story. In order to successfully complete this task, you will need to expertly reread this story, search for information, details, in addition to background information, and then construct a story based upon your investigative reading. Your article must be high in quality, a final draft ( with little to no visible errors), an an accurate representation of something that may have been reported after the story. You will need to have all of the components of a newspaper/newsletter contained in your work. I will not accept any handwritten work.
Note: This assignment may not be for you. I try to provide my learners with a variety of extra credit opportunities that will allow them to showcase their unique skills, talents, and gifts. This assignment has been designed for my students who have strong reading comprehension skills and excellent writing abilities. I will only accept project worthy work. If you do not think you can complete this assignment with excellence, please take advantage of another extra credit task in the future. If you have any questions about the requirements for this task, please do not hesitate to speak with me before/after class or send me an email. This extra credit opportunity is due on September 23, 2019. I will not accept any late work.
Compare and Contrast Activity
Compare and Contrast Activity
Create a 4x3 table to identify noticeable similarities and differences between "The Ransom of Red Chief" (short story) and two of its adaptations-Hallmark Movies' 1998 The Ransom of Red Chief and O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1952). Enter the following information into your chart: Adaptations of “The Ransom of Red Chief” (Column 1/Row 1); Similarities to the original story (Column 2/Row 1); Differences to the original story (Column 3/Row 1); How do the differences affect the story? (Column 4/Row 1); Hallmark Movies' The Ransom of Red Chief (1998) (Column 1/Row 2); O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (Column 1/Row 3). Tip: Use bullets to organize/separate your text in the columns for similarities and differences. When you have completed the comparison, print out a hard copy and submit it.
Resources
The Ransom of Red Chief Short Story
O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1952)
Hallmark Movies-The Ransom of Red Chief (1998)
Create a 4x3 table to identify noticeable similarities and differences between "The Ransom of Red Chief" (short story) and two of its adaptations-Hallmark Movies' 1998 The Ransom of Red Chief and O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1952). Enter the following information into your chart: Adaptations of “The Ransom of Red Chief” (Column 1/Row 1); Similarities to the original story (Column 2/Row 1); Differences to the original story (Column 3/Row 1); How do the differences affect the story? (Column 4/Row 1); Hallmark Movies' The Ransom of Red Chief (1998) (Column 1/Row 2); O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (Column 1/Row 3). Tip: Use bullets to organize/separate your text in the columns for similarities and differences. When you have completed the comparison, print out a hard copy and submit it.
Resources
The Ransom of Red Chief Short Story
O. Henry's Full House: "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1952)
Hallmark Movies-The Ransom of Red Chief (1998)
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Can't Get Enough of O. Henry?
Interested in learning more about O.Henry? Click here to read his mini-bio.
Note: Students have been exempted from this activity/assignment.
Note: Students have been exempted from this activity/assignment.
Blast from the Past
If you have a moment, check out this 1907 publishing of O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief."
Henry, O., 1862-1910. The Ransom of Red Chief, prose (fiction), July 6, 1907; Philadelphia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth139425/: accessed September 16, 2019), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.