Chapter Three Practice Quiz — My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter Three
How long does Elmer hide in the ship's hold before arriving at Cranberry?
Elmer hides in the hold for six days and nights, twice nearly being caught when the ship stops to take on more cargo.
How does Elmer disguise himself to be unloaded with the cargo?
He climbs inside an empty grain bag labeled "Cranberry," puts his knapsack inside too, folds the top, and secures it with a rubber band.
What do the sailors think the lumpy bag contains?
A sailor feels Elmer's elbow through the bag and declares it is a bag of dried corn on the cob.
Why doesn't the Cranberry merchant find the mysterious bag of corn?
Because Elmer climbed out of the bag as soon as it was dark, folded it up, put it back in his knapsack, and walked away to sleep on the shore.
How does Elmer discover he is on the Island of Tangerina?
A tangerine hits him on the head while he is sleeping under a tangerine tree, and he remembers that this island is called Tangerina because tangerine trees grow wild everywhere.
How many tangerines does Elmer pick before setting off?
He picks thirty-one tangerines, as many as he has room for in his knapsack.
How long does the nighttime rock crossing to Wild Island take?
The crossing takes seven hours of climbing, slipping, and leaping from rock to rock in the dark.
What does the fisherman tell Elmer about Wild Island?
The fisherman shakes with fear and says that many people have tried to explore Wild Island but not one has come back alive, as they were likely eaten by wild animals.
How does Elmer react to the fisherman's warning?
It does not bother him at all. He keeps walking and sleeps on the beach that night, showing his determination and courage.
What is notable about the Cranberry merchant's personality?
He is described as a very punctual man who is never late for dinner, which is why he waits until the next morning to count his wheat bags.
Whose advice does Elmer follow when deciding to cross to Wild Island at night?
He follows the old alley cat's advice, which was to go to the island at night so the wild animals won't see him coming along the rocks.
What does Elmer say when he accidentally lands on the sleeping whale?
He politely says, "Oh, I didn't know that was you!" showing his good-natured character even in a surprising moment.
How does Chapter 3 demonstrate the theme of resourcefulness?
Elmer uses ordinary objects from his knapsack—a rubber band, a grain bag, and rubber boots—to disguise himself, travel as cargo, and navigate slippery rocks, turning everyday items into survival tools.
What does the contrast between Tangerina and Wild Island represent?
Tangerina represents a safe, familiar waypoint with abundant food, while Wild Island represents the unknown and dangerous goal, reflecting the theme of courage in facing the unknown.
How does Chapter 3 develop the journey motif in the story?
Elmer transitions from a hidden stowaway to an independent adventurer, moving through multiple stages: ship, shore, island, and a dangerous ocean crossing, each bringing him closer to his mission.
What role does fear play as a theme in this chapter?
Fear is presented as something that affects others (the fisherman shakes at the thought of Wild Island) but does not deter Elmer, showing that bravery means acting despite danger rather than never feeling afraid.
What is an example of dramatic irony in Chapter 3?
The readers know the "bag of dried corn on the cob" is actually Elmer hiding inside, while the sailors and the merchant remain completely unaware.
What simile does the narrator use to describe the whale's snoring?
The whale is described as "making more noise than a steam shovel," comparing its loud snoring to heavy industrial machinery.
How does the frame narrative affect the storytelling in this chapter?
The narrator consistently refers to Elmer as "my father," creating a warm, intimate tone as though sharing a family adventure story, which softens the tension of dangerous events.
What does "knapsack" mean in the context of this chapter?
A knapsack is a bag carried on the back, similar to a backpack. Elmer carries his supplies in his knapsack throughout the journey.
What does "punctual" mean as used to describe the Cranberry merchant?
Punctual means being on time or doing things at the expected time. The merchant is so punctual he never counts cargo late in the day because he is never late for dinner.
What does "cargo" refer to in the chapter?
Cargo refers to goods or merchandise carried by a ship. In this chapter, the cargo is bags of wheat being transported to Cranberry.
Who says, "Great Scott! This is the queerest bag of wheat I've ever seen!"?
A sailor says this when he notices the lumpy, oddly shaped bag that is actually Elmer hiding inside the grain bag.
Complete the quote: "Many people have tried to explore Wild Island, but..."
"...not one has come back alive. We think they were eaten by the wild animals." This warning is spoken by a fisherman Elmer meets on Tangerina.
What does the narrator say about Elmer's reaction to the fisherman's warning?
"This didn't bother my father. He kept walking and slept on the beach again that night." This simple statement powerfully conveys Elmer's quiet courage.