Chapter Two Practice Quiz — My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter Two
What geographical feature divides Wild Island?
A very wide and muddy river that begins near one end of the island and flows into the ocean at the other.
How did the baby dragon end up on Wild Island?
He fell from a low-flying cloud onto the bank of the river. He was too young to fly well and had bruised one wing badly.
What did the Wild Island animals do with the baby dragon?
They tied a big rope around his neck and forced him to carry passengers and mail across the river once his wing healed.
Where did Elmer and the cat go that afternoon to begin planning the rescue?
They went down to the docks to find a ship sailing to the Island of Tangerina.
Where did Elmer and the cat hide the supplies they gathered?
They hid the supplies behind a rock in the park.
How did Elmer get aboard the ship without being seen?
The cat made loud, strange noises to distract the night watchman while Elmer ran over the gangplank and hid in the hold among bags of wheat.
What food did Elmer bring for the voyage?
Twenty-five peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and six apples.
What is Elmer's father's (the narrator's father's) first name?
Elmer. The cat addresses him by name, saying "Be patient, Elmer."
Why is the cat unable to join Elmer on the rescue mission?
The cat is too old to go along on the journey to Wild Island.
Who are the dragon's only friends on Wild Island?
The crocodiles, who say "Hello" to him once a week if they don't forget.
How does the cat know about the dragon's situation?
The cat used to hide in the bushes and talk to the dragon in secret when nobody was around. They became great friends.
Why are the crocodiles not used to carry passengers across the river?
Crocodiles are very moody, not dependable, and are always looking for something to eat.
What theme does the animals' treatment of the baby dragon represent?
The exploitation and mistreatment of the powerless for the convenience of others—the animals enslave the dragon to avoid walking around the river.
How does the chapter illustrate the theme of compassion inspiring action?
Elmer is moved by the dragon's suffering and immediately agrees to attempt a dangerous rescue, showing how empathy can motivate heroism.
What does the cat's promise to the dragon reveal about the theme of loyalty?
The cat promised the dragon she would try to help him someday, and she follows through by recruiting Elmer, demonstrating faithful commitment even when a solution seemed impossible.
How does secrecy function as a motif in this chapter?
Everything about the rescue plan must be kept secret—supplies are hidden behind a park rock, and Elmer sneaks aboard the ship at night, establishing stealth as essential to the adventure.
How does the detailed packing list serve as foreshadowing?
Each seemingly random item Elmer packs—lollipops, rubber bands, magnifying glasses, hair ribbons—hints that these objects will each serve a specific clever purpose later in the story.
How does Gannett use anthropomorphism in this chapter?
The Wild Island animals have human social structures like mail deliveries, visiting habits, and even a Christmas rush, which adds humor while highlighting the injustice of their behavior toward the dragon.
What narrative technique frames the entire story?
The story is told by a narrator recounting his father's childhood adventure, creating a frame narrative that gives the tale the feel of a cherished family legend.
What does "inconvenient" mean in the context of the animals' river crossing?
It means causing difficulty or trouble. The animals found it inconvenient to walk all the way around the river to visit the other side of the island.
What does "dependable" mean when the cat describes the crocodiles?
It means reliable or trustworthy. The cat says crocodiles are "not the least bit dependable," meaning they cannot be counted on to help.
What is a "knapsack" as mentioned in this chapter?
A knapsack is a bag carried on the back, similar to a backpack. Elmer borrows his father's knapsack to carry supplies for his journey.
Who says "Why, this is just exactly what we've needed all these years" and about what?
The Wild Island animals say this when they find the baby dragon on the riverbank, realizing they can use him to carry passengers across the river.
What does the cat say when Elmer asks her to hurry up with the story?
The cat says "Be patient, Elmer," and continues with her story about Wild Island, demonstrating her calm, mentor-like demeanor.