The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry(Pre-Intermediate)

Pre-Intermediate

story

​

 Once upon a time, in the flat town of Summit, there lived two friends named Bill Driscoll and Sam. They had a clever plan to make some money by kidnapping a child for ransom. With only six hundred dollars to their name, they needed a big payoff to pull off a fraudulent town-lot scheme in Western Illinois.

They chose as their target the son of Ebenezer Dorset, a wealthy man in town. Little did they know, their plan was about to take an unexpected turn.

 One evening, they spotted Ebenezer's son, a boy of ten, playing in the street. Bill, trying to be friendly, offered him a ride and some candy. But the boy, known as Red Chief, wasn't interested in being kidnapped and fought back fiercely.

 Despite the struggle, Bill and Sam managed to capture Red Chief and take him to a cave they had prepared as their hideout. But instead of being scared, Red Chief was thrilled by the adventure of being a captive. He even insisted on playing games and calling himself "Red Chief, the terror of the plains."

As the night went on, Red Chief's energetic antics wore down Bill and Sam's resolve. They realized they had bitten off more than they could chew with this wild child. Bill even ended up with bruises and scratches from Red Chief's playful attacks.

 In the morning, Bill made the decision to return Red Chief home, even if it meant giving up their ransom plan. Red Chief was excited about the idea of going back, especially when he was promised a new rifle and moccasins.

 They returned Red Chief to his father's doorstep and paid a much smaller ransom than they had originally demanded. Despite their failed scheme, Bill and Sam were relieved to be rid of Red Chief and quickly made their escape.

 And so, the adventure of the kidnapping of Red Chief came to an end, leaving Bill and Sam with a story to tell and a newfound respect for the energy of young boys.

​

​

​

Words and Idioms

Study them with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/905983980/the-ransom-of-red-chief-by-o-henry-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1jqt

• Kidnapping (noun): the act of unlawfully seizing and carrying away a person by force or fraud.
• pull off (phrase): successfully carry out the scheme
• Fraudulent (adjective): dishonest and deceitful in nature.
• Scheme (noun): a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.
• Ransom (noun): a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive.
• Target (noun): a person or thing that is the object of an attack, or of ridicule, criticism, or abuse.
• Wealthy (adjective): having great wealth; rich; affluent.
• Be about to (phrase): to be on the verge of doing something
• Take an unexpected turn (phrase): to undergo an unforeseen change or deviation
• Fiercely (adverb): Intensely
• Managed to (phrase): successfully accomplished something despite difficulties.
• Thrilled (adjective): experiencing a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure.
• A captive (noun): someone who is captured or detained.
• Antics (noun): playful or funny actions, especially of children or animals.
• Wear down resolve (phrase): to gradually weaken someone's determination or willpower.
• Bruises (noun): a discolored area of the skin caused by an injury, usually blunt force trauma.
• Playful (adjective): full of fun and high spirits; frolicsome or sportive.
• Rifle and Moccasins (noun): A type of firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, and soft leather shoes or slippers, often associated with Indigenous peoples of North America.
• Rid of (idiom): to free oneself or someone else from something or someone unwanted or undesirable.
• Newfound (adjective): newly discovered or acquired; recently obtained.

​

Questions

1. What was the main plan of Bill and Sam in the story?

a) To go on a camping trip

b) To kidnap a child for ransom

c) To start a new business

d) To visit a friend in Summit

​

2. Where did Bill and Sam take Red Chief after kidnapping him?

a) To a theme park

b) To a cave in the mountains

c) To a circus

d) To a shopping mall

​

​

3. Why did Bill and Sam choose Red Chief as their target for kidnapping?

a) Because he was a superhero

b) Because his father was wealthy

c) Because he was a famous musician

d) Because he was a detective

​

4. How did Red Chief react to being kidnapped?

a) He was scared and cried a lot

b) He enjoyed the adventure and had fun

c) He immediately tried to escape

d) He felt sad and homesick

​

5. What lesson do you think Bill and Sam learned from their experience with Red Chief?

a) The importance of honesty

b) The value of friendship

c) The unpredictability of children

d) The joy of outdoor activities

​

6. What does the character of Red Chief symbolize in the story?

a) Innocence and playfulness

b) Fear and anxiety

c) Wisdom and maturity

d) Greed and selfishness

​

Short Writing

1. Imagine you are Bill or Sam. Write a journal entry describing your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after the kidnapping of Red Chief.

​

​

​

​

​

​

2. Write a letter from Red Chief to his father, explaining his adventures with Bill and Sam during the kidnapping.

​

​

​

​

​

​

3. Create a new ending for the story where Bill and Sam successfully receive the ransom money without returning Red Chief home. Explain what happens next and how the characters feel about their actions.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Answer Keys

1. b) To kidnap a child for ransom
2. b) To a cave in the mountains
3. b) Because his father was wealthy
4. b) He enjoyed the adventure and had fun
5. c) The unpredictability of children
6. a) Innocence and playfulness

​

Short Writing

1.

Journal Entry:

Before: Today is the day we put our plan into action. The thought of the ransom money excites me, but I can't shake off the nervousness. What if something goes wrong?

During: It's chaotic. Red Chief is wilder than we anticipated. He's enjoying himself, but it's making our job difficult. We need to keep calm and stick to the plan.

After: It's over, but not in the way we expected. Red Chief's energy was too much to handle. I never imagined a child could be so relentless. We're relieved it's done, but I can't shake off the feeling that we underestimated the situation.

​

2.

Letter from Red Chief:

Dear Dad,

You won't believe the adventure I had with Bill and Sam! We went camping in the mountains, and I got to play "Red Chief, the terror of the plains!" It was so much fun. We played games, roasted marshmallows, and explored caves. But now I'm ready to come home and tell you all about it. Don't worry; I'm safe and had the best time ever! Can't wait to see you.

Your adventurous son,

[Red Chief's name]

​

3.

New Ending:

After successfully receiving the ransom money, Bill and Sam plan to escape town and start a new life. But as they count the money, guilt gnaws at them. They realize they can't leave Red Chief behind, knowing the trauma they caused. With heavy hearts, they return the money and confess to Red Chief's father. Despite facing consequences, they feel a sense of relief, knowing they did the right thing. As they walk away from the Dorset house, they vow to make amends and never resort to such schemes again.

 

All rights reserved by 비투게더

Do you want to study more with teachers?

Click the email link and ask me anything you want. then I will give you more information and help you find a good-fit teacher.

 

​SAT, ACT, TOEFL, MAP, AP, IB, SSAT 과외는 과외의 모든 것

비투게더(www.betogether.co.kr.)에서! 지금 유명 강사진을 꼭 확인하세요!

​

charmingnr.0213@gmail.com