Chapter Seven Practice Quiz — My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter Seven
What animal does Elmer encounter in Chapter 7?
Elmer encounters a lion whose mane is tangled with blackberry twigs.
What is the lion doing when Elmer first hears him?
The lion is roaring angrily and yelling at himself while clawing at his tangled mane, making it worse.
How does Elmer first try to get past the lion?
Elmer tries to crawl around the edge of the clearing through the underbrush to avoid disturbing the lion.
What does the lion threaten to do when he catches Elmer?
The lion threatens to eat Elmer immediately rather than saving him for afternoon tea.
What three types of items does Elmer give the lion?
Elmer gives the lion a comb, a brush, and seven hair ribbons of different colors.
How does Elmer demonstrate the grooming technique to the lion?
Elmer demonstrates on the lion's forelock, brushing first, then combing, then brushing again, dividing the hair into three sections, braiding it, and tying a ribbon around the end.
How does Elmer escape from the lion?
The lion becomes so absorbed in grooming his own mane that he does not even notice when Elmer leaves.
What is the full name Elmer gives when the lion asks who he is?
Elmer tells the lion his name is Elmer Elevator.
Why is the lion worried about his mother visiting?
The lion fears his mother will stop his allowance if she sees his messy, tangled mane because she cannot stand messy manes.
How is the lion's mother planning to arrive at the island?
The lion's mother is coming over on the dragon that afternoon.
What personality trait does the lion display by yelling at himself?
The lion displays frustration and self-directed anger, revealing that despite being a fearsome predator he has comically human emotional reactions.
How does the lion's mood change over the course of the chapter?
The lion starts out furious and threatening, but after Elmer demonstrates how to groom his mane, the lion becomes happy and is described as being "all smiles."
What theme does Elmer's use of grooming supplies instead of weapons illustrate?
It illustrates the theme of resourcefulness and cleverness over brute strength, showing that intelligence and preparation can overcome physical danger.
How does Chapter 7 develop the motif of the knapsack?
The knapsack once again provides the exact items needed to solve a problem, reinforcing the motif that careful preparation and ingenuity are Elmer's greatest tools.
What does the lion's fear of his mother's judgment suggest thematically?
It introduces themes of vanity and the desire for parental approval, presented humorously to show that even powerful creatures have relatable insecurities.
How does Elmer's strategy with the lion reflect empathy as a problem-solving tool?
Elmer asks the lion why he is upset rather than fighting or fleeing, listens to the problem, and addresses the lion's emotional need, demonstrating that empathy can defuse dangerous situations.
What literary device is used when the lion mentions his mother rides the dragon?
This is foreshadowing, reminding readers that the dragon exists and is being used by the animals, which connects to Elmer's ultimate rescue mission.
What narrative technique does the phrase "He crawled and crawled, and the yelling grew louder and louder" demonstrate?
This is repetition used to build suspense and echo the rhythm of oral storytelling, gradually increasing tension as Elmer approaches the lion.
How does the author use dramatic irony in the lion encounter?
The image of a fearsome lion yelling at himself over tangled hair and worrying about his mother's opinion creates dramatic irony by subverting the expected danger of a predator encounter with domestic comedy.
What does "prancing" mean in the context of the lion clawing at his mane?
Prancing means moving with high, lively steps, suggesting the lion is pacing about in an agitated, restless manner.
What does "snarled" mean when describing the lion's mane?
Snarled means tangled or knotted in a confused mass, describing the messy condition of the mane full of blackberry twigs.
What is a "forelock" as mentioned when Elmer demonstrates grooming?
A forelock is the lock or section of hair that falls over the forehead, which Elmer uses as a demonstration area because the lion can watch him work on it.
Who says "Ordinarily I'd save you for afternoon tea" and what does it reveal?
The lion says this to Elmer. It reveals the lion's menacing nature mixed with absurd politeness, as if eating someone is simply a matter of scheduling.
What does the lion say when he sees the finished braid with the ribbon?
The lion says "Oh, that's wonderful, really wonderful!" showing his complete transformation from threatening predator to delighted, vain creature.