Rifles for Watie
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 1
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called, Linn County, Kansas 1861?
2.
How does Jeff know the drought has been broken?
3.
How does Jeff’s mother, Edith Bussey, describe Kansas?
4.
In 1961, Abraham Lincoln became president. 11 of 15
Southern states left the United States. Discuss with your
students what one had to do with the other, and why this
affected a Western territory like Kansas?
5.
What were Jeff’s definite opinions about Kansas and about the
war?
6.
Jeff’s father was a FREE STATE man. Discuss with your
students what a “FREE STATE” was. In contrast, what was a
“SLAVE STATE?” What did these distinctions mean and how
did they begin?
7.
Who were the BUSHWHACKERS and what had they done in
the vicinity of the Bussey home? What could have caused
them to become so violent and hateful?
8.
Discuss the impact that Abraham Lincoln’s speech had on Jeff.
9.
Describe Jeff Bussey. Include physical appearance and
character qualities that this chapter either states or infers.
(Make note of this, as the character changes during the 4-year
time span of the book.)
Review Discussion Questions Chapter 2
1.
Why is this chapter called, Bushwhackers?
2.
Give a physical description of Emory Bussey, and tell something of his character.
3.
Why didn’t either Jeff or his dad have their rifle?
4.
Discuss what most likely would have happened if Mr. Bussey had complied with the
bushwhackers demand, “You’re under arrest; come outdoors?”

5.
Discuss with your students a time or times that they that they normally are afraid to do,
but because there is danger, they did it.
6.
Discuss each family member’s contribution to fighting off the bushwhackers in their home.
Bess
Jeff
Mom
Mary
Ring
7.
Discuss what Emory Bussey might have been thinking when Jeff asked permission to join
the volunteers the next day?
8.
Discuss with students what concrete steps they might take if they and their families’ lives
are threatened.
9.
What PERSUASIVE reasoning did Jeff use on his dad before he asked to go to Fort
Leavenworth?
10.
Discuss how you know that Jeff had no idea what war was about.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 3
Review Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called, Fort Leavenworth?
2.
Who else goes with Jeff and how does this happen?
3.
Discuss LEAVING HOME for the first time for an extended
stay. What did you pack? Was it hard or easy to say,
“Goodbye?” Did you think about coming home again?
4.
Discuss the differences among Jeff, John, and David and their
attitudes about leaving home.
5.
Discuss the words REALIST and IDEALIST. Which one of
these describes Jeff regarding his joining the military? Support
your answers from this chapter.
6.
What two statements during the enlistment process sobered
Jeff?
7.
The boys stared in awe at the uniforms of the Union soldiers.
Jeff could hardly wait to get one for himself. Discuss DESIRE
with your students. Have you ever wanted something, or to
join something so bad that you didn’t think of the consequences
of getting it? Or that perhaps you wouldn’t get it?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Review Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called CAPTAIN ASA CLARDY?
2.
What are some ways you know that Jeff is an innocent farm boy and
knows nothing of army life?
3.
Jeff shows one of his father’s character qualities in addressing Captain
Clardy regarding his name. What is it? Discuss how Jeff might have
answered the captain without making him angry. Think of situations in
which YOUR WORDS can determine if someone will be angry or
peaceful. Discuss this as a class.
4.
Discuss ANTAGONISM. Jeff seems to get along with everyone he
encounters so far at Fort Leavenworth except Asa Clardy. Discuss this
with your students. Whose problem is it? Is it personality? Does Captain
Clardy have something to hide about the Mexican War in which Jeff’s
father served? Does Jeff somehow intimidate the captain? Is Jeff disrespectful? What else
could it be?
5.
Discuss DESERTION. What was usually the punishment? Recall with
your students the attitude with which David left home. What has
happened within David that now makes him risk his life to get home two
days before a furlough?
6.
Is Jeff REALISTIC about the war yet? How do you know?
Chapter 5 Review Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter is called FURLOUGH?
2.
Discuss Jeff’s FURLOUGH. If you had one full day at home
after being gone a month and no promise when you will ever
be home again, what would be important to do, see, talk
about, eat?
3.
Discuss MATURITY with students. Recall David Gardner’s
attitude when he left home. Compare it to this chapter.
Discuss evidences of maturity or the lack thereof in David’s life
so far. Why do you think David’s mother acted as she did
toward him?
4.
Compare Jeff and David (in this chapter) on their level of
assuming RESPONSIBILITY. Discuss how this may
demonstrate MATURITY.
5.
What does Mr. Bussey tell Jeff about Captain Clardy that may
help Jeff understand why the captain reacted as he did when
Jeff gave his full name?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 6
Review Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called MARCH?
2.
Describe the order in which the branches of the military were arranged as they marched?
3.
What did Sergeant Pete Millholland tell the men who thought they couldn’t go one step
farther?
4.
Discuss with your students the meaning of DISCERNMENT. In this chapter detail how Jeff
did or did not exhibit discernment?
5.
Preparing his gun for cleaning was an innocent mistake; what could he have done that
would have prevented this error and another encounter with Captain Clardy?
6.
How do we know that Jeff still has no idea what the REALITY of war is?
7.
Describe what the army encountered as they marched into Springfield just before noon on
August 9, 1861.
8.
What had Jeff done when he got back with David Gardner from furlough that likely
prevented David from being shot?
9
10.
Define and discuss PREJUDICE. The only Missourians that Jeff knew were bushwhackers.
He supposed all Missourians were rebels, now he meets thousands of Missouri Union men
and boys who believe as he does. Has there ever been a time when you were prejudice
against some one or some group, only to find out you were wrong? How did you respond to
this new revelation? What did you do about it?
Compare and contrast examples of OPTIMISM and PESSIMISM in this chapter.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 7
1.
Why is this chapter called Battle of Wilson’s Creek?
2.
Describe General Lyon’s character?
3.
Describe General Lyon’s bold plan. Include the “ODDS” and the condition that this Union force was in.?
4.
What was the plan of the rebel army?
5.
Jeff felt ASHAMED. “He felt his ears redden, so he pulled his hat over his eyes and fell in behind the others.” Why
did Jeff feel ashamed? Was he justified in feeling this way? Explain.
6.
Define and discuss DISAPPOINTMENT. Jeff was disappointed that he could not fight. Many thoughts and
emotions were filling his brain. Think of a time that you have been extremely disappointed. Did any of your
emotions match Jeff’s? Explain.
7.
Once again, Jeff has a CONFRONTATION with Captain Clardy. Why does Jeff “lose it?” Explain how Jeff is or is
not using GOOD JUDGMENT. Be sure to analyze both actions and words. Predict what you think may happen as a
result of this confrontation with the volatile Captain Clardy.
8.
The chapter begins with, “General Lyon decided upon a bold plan of battle.” Discuss: Was it a bold plan?
9.
Did it succeed?
10.
Jimmy Lear was fourteen years old and a “drummer boy”. How did he gain the RESPECT of older soldiers during
the Battle of Wilson’s Creek?
Chapter 8
1.
2.
3.
Why is this chapter called Hard Lessons?
Where were the Union troops headed next?
What does the author mean by “Clardy hadn’t lost any time”?
Have you ever been the object of RETALIATION? Was it
deserved? Discuss with your students Jeff’s “punishment.”
Was it deserved? Do you believe that Jeff is in physical danger
from Captain Clardy?
4.
Jeff confided in Noah about his encounter with Clardy behind
the battle lines. What insight did Noah share with Jeff?
What advice did Noah give Jeff?
5.
Jeff feels RESPONSIBLE for Sparrow’s death? Why? Noah
gives Jeff another way of looking at the cook’s death. Do you
agree with Jeff or with Noah? Why?
6.
Describe Jeff’s duties on ambulance duty.
7.
Jeff was happy that Ford Ivey was alive. But what did one of
the crew members mean by, “Soon you’ll be all through with
war, son”?
8.
In spite of Jeff’s friction with Captain Clardy, Jeff is SINCERE
toward the men in his outfit. Describe ways, in this chapter,
that the author shows Jeff’s sincerity toward others.
9.
What character qualities are revealed about Jeff when he
rescues the Confederate dog?
Rifles for Watie
1.
Why is this chapter called Light Bread and Apple Butter?
2.
We hear about BUSHWHACKERS again in this chapter. Jeff
learns from Mrs. McComas that Northern sympathizers stole
from her sister in Missouri. Later, Jeff is ordered to confiscate
livestock and property from rebel families. Is Jeff then a
BUSHWHACKER, too? Do you think Jeff is beginning to
realize that “the other side” has similar feelings and needs as
he? Using the information in this chapter, discuss this with
your students.
3.
One of Jeff’s character qualities is THOUGHTFULNESS. Recall
from past chapters some evidences of this. From this chapter,
name ways in which Jeff was thoughtful of others.
4.
If Jeff is so thoughtful of others, what is his problem with
Captain Clardy? Discuss with your students Jeff’s behavior.
Have your students show how he tries to be respectful, then
how his TEMPER flares. Why? What do you think the author
is trying to show? What would you have done differently about
the gun incident?
5.
On page 79, Mrs. McComas’ DISTRUST faded. Why? Think
about a situation you may have been in, in which someone
distrusted you. What did you do to turn that person’s distrust
into trust?
Chapter 9
Trivia Questions
6.
Noah Babbitt gave Jeff some more advice. What was it?
7.
Noah gave Jeff a likely reason in the last chapter why Captain
Clardy was always “arresting” him. In this chapter, Jeff is
again arrested on TRUMPED UP charges. Discuss why you
think Clardy lied and had Jeff arrested again.
8.
Do some research with your students to find out what the
significance of “light” bread was? What is apple butter, and
how is it made?
9.
Give variations in meaning to the words PERSISTENT and
HEADSTRONG. Which is Jeff? Can a person have both of
these qualities? Can both of these be good? From this
chapter, give examples of each of these from Jeff’s life and tell
if it is a positive or negative quality.
10.
How do we know that Jeff’s attitude may be changing about
the war?
Rifles for Watie
1.
2.
3.
Why is this chapter called Foraging in Cherokee Country?
Describe the expedition into Indian country?
Who is Stand Watie?
4.
Reread with your students the references to the TRAIL OF
TEARS on pages 94 and 95. Research further in outside
sources about this time in our history. (If you live near NE Oklahoma,
take a field trip to the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah.)
5.
According to Joe Grayson, what were the signs of rain?
6.
Discuss the circumstances surrounding Pete Millholland’s
death. What could have been done differently to have possibly
changed the outcome of that day?
7.
Jeff’s view of the Union army, the army of the United States,
the army of Abraham Lincoln, is that they are MORALLY
WITHOUT FAULT. Review past chapters and this chapter to
support this statement.
8.
The REALITIES OF WAR are beginning to make an
impression on Jeff. From this chapter alone, what are some of
those realities? Do you think that the “excitement” for the
army and war is beginning to wear off for Jeff? Support your
answer from this chapter. What would make you change your
9.
mind about some tightly held opinion?
At the end of Chapter 9, the author tells us what the mission is
that Jeff is involved with. Again in this chapter, the mission is
spelled out. What was the mission?
Chapter 10
Rifles for Watie
1.
Why is this chapter called Lucy Washbourne?
2.
Research with your students the home life of slave owners in
1860. Find out why the Washbourne women seemed so
helpless to take care of simple household duties since their
slaves had been freed.
3.
Colonel Weer gave strict orders not to steal or loot private
property. What was to be the consequence if anyone did?
4.
Recall the “punishments” that Jeff has suffered already under
Captain Clardy. Why does the author tell us, “He (Jeff) wasn’t
afraid of Clardy.” and “He didn’t mind Clardy’s abuse
anymore.”?
5.
On page 118, the author states, “The girl looked uneasy.”
Give two reasons for this uneasiness.
6.
Why didn’t Jeff stay long in the Cherokee Nation?
7.
What do you know about the Washbournes from this chapter?
8.
The author says that Lucy “was a girl who went well with July.”
What did he mean?
9.
Why was Major Thompson able to convince the Washbourne
women to feed the officers, when Captain Clardy made no
headway? There is a saying, “You can attract more flies with
honey than with vinegar.” What do you think that means and
how does it apply to Major Thompson and Captain Clardy?
Chapter 11
Rifles for Watie
1.
Why is this chapter called Battle of Prairie Grove?
2.
Discuss FEAR. How do students’ act when they are afraid?
What happens to their bodies? What do they do with that fear?
Discuss Jeff’s fear. What do you think finally brought the
realization of war to Jeff? What did he do about his fear? What
emotions did Jeff experience that afternoon? What kinds of
thoughts did he have?
3.
How did Jeff face DANGER? The author says, “. . . he wanted
to encounter the worst and get it over with.” What was the
worst and how did Jeff deal with it?
4.
“Jeff shot a quick look at Noah. It was good to have Noah next
to him.” “By that time he would have followed Noah
anywhere.” Why do you think Jeff felt better knowing Noah
was next to him? And why, by that time, would Jeff have
followed Noah anywhere? Discuss FRIENDSHIP as it applies
to danger and fear. Have students think about and share who
they would want beside them in danger and why.
5.
In spite of the fact that Jeff experiences danger and fear as he
has never had before, his CHARACTER shines through.
Discuss some things that Jeff does that show
DEPENDABILITY, DISCIPLINE, UNSELFISHNESS?
6.
Why was Noah’s, “brown face looking unnaturally ferocious . . .
”? (page 134) What feelings toward Jeff, would this statement
Chapter 12
convey?
7.
What bold move did Noah propose to Jeff and why? (page 135)
8.
Find the three similes on page 130 that the author figuratively
uses to describe the rebel Minie balls.
9.
At the end of the battle, Noah asks Jeff how he liked it. What
are Jeff’s feelings about war now?
10.
If possible, have a guest demonstrate or detail weapons that
were used at this time and the procedure for loading EACH
single shot.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 13
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called Expedition to Van Buren?
2.
Why was Jeff EMBARRASSED for being awarded a Medal of Honor? Discuss with students
times they have been embarrassed or surprised at being recognized and awarded for doing
the right thing. Discuss Jeff’s conclusion, “. . .then something was wrong with the system.”
3.
What destruction from the war was evident in Cane Hill?
4.
When Jeff went into the church where the worst of the wounded were, he wanted to talk to
them, but he felt inflexible. What thoughts went through his head?
5.
Recall events in previous chapters that show Jeff’s quality of COMPASSION. Inner conflict
continues to grow in Jeff in this chapter. In the hospital, he hears the cries of pained men,
but he restrains himself because they are the enemy. In Van Buren when Clardy cruelly killed
a rebel prisoner, Jeff attacked the captain. Describe the inner conflict that sixteen-year-old Jeff
is experiencing.
6.
Jeff ADMIRED Noah. However, in Van Buren, Jeff was astonished to witness Noah talking
roughly to and boldly taking a ham from a Negro man. Furthermore, Noah declared that if the
man hadn’t given him the ham, he, Noah, would have shot the Negro. Discuss with students
persons they idolize or ADMIRE greatly. What happens when that person betrays their
admiration? Do you think Jeff thinks less of Noah now? Defend your answer from this chapter.
7.
Discuss SYMPATHY versus EMPATHY. Several emotional issues surface in this chapter.
Decide if Jeff sympathized or empathized in the following situations: Jimmy Lear’s impending
death; rebel prisoners parted from their horses; taking custody of rebel prisoners, especially
a captain whose boots he admired; watching a wounded rebel soldier die hideously under the
cruel heel of Captain Clardy; and complying with the wish of a Negro slave. Perhaps students
will think of other examples from this chapter of these concepts.
8.
Discuss LEADERSHIP with your students. List some qualities. Did Jeff exhibit LEADERSHIP
traits in this chapter? Defend your answer.
9.
Recall with your students that one of the reasons Jeff wanted to join the Union army was
because the Missouri bushwhackers were a threat to their home and family. Make a list of all
the things the Union soldiers did (in this chapter). How does that compare to what Jeff
perceived as characteristics of bushwhackers?
10.
“Jeff was proud of how trim and orderly the army looked despite its hardships.” Describe the
HARDSHIPS from this chapter that the soldiers had to endure.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 14
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called The Cow Lot?
2.
Jeff is “bouncy and frolicsome.” What might be some reasons?
3.
Old Belle told Jeff that “Couple, three days ago a bunch o’ Watie’s grays rode their
hosses acrost thet very ford . . ..” Why did Jeff’s “hands tighten whitely on his
musket”? Where had he already met the Watie men?
4.
Lucy’s sister told Jeff that the Indian Home Guard soldiers had annoyed them three
times that week already. Discuss BULLYING. Explain if you think Jeff was justified in
fighting with the soldiers. Was there another way that Jeff could have defended the
women?
5.
“. . . seeing again the rich carpet on the floors, the paneled walls, the glow of China.
He thought of his own modest log home back in Linn County and wished that this home
wasn’t so big and elegant and tastefully furnished.” Why did Jeff wish this?
6.
Discuss the character, Belle. INFER from this chapter what her attitude is toward the
war, and toward life in general.
7.
Both Jeff and Lucy were able to “score points” in their debate over the reason for war,
over the slavery issue in the Western territories, the Constitution, and the
displacement of the Cherokee from their Eastern homes. Discuss how it is possible
for FRIENDSHIP to develop when two people have such opposing views as Jeff and
Lucy have, given that each is convinced that he is right.
8.
“What a stupid war it was.” In two years Jeff has CHANGED HIS MIND about the war.
Why? Discuss with your students as many illustrations as possible from previous
chapters as well as from this one, the reasons why Jeff may no longer find the war
“exciting” and “a lark.” Jeff has also changed his mind about the length of the war.
Compare his two observations regarding this. (Chapter 2 and 14)
9.
Obviously, the Washbourne women are CHANGING THEIR MINDS about the Union
army, too. Lucy’s sister said, “Even though you are in the Union army, I feel I can trust
you.” What may have changed their opinions? Although Jeff did not set out to do it,
what part did he have in influencing this family to think favorably on the Union?
Discuss: what application can you draw for yourself?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 15
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why this chapter is called Fate of the Brandts?
2.
How did the cavalry care for their horses after a ride?
3.
What news did David Gardner have for Jeff?
4.
Compare physically and emotionally, David Gardner leaving home, at Fort Leavenworth,
and deserting, to the David Gardner that Jeff sees at Fort Gibson.
5.
What was evidence of how bad the hunger situation was around Fort Gibson?
6.
Discuss with your students why they think David Gardner now had an “air of assurance
and competency” about him?
7.
What was Stand Watie’s ultimate intention in raiding and destroying fields and gardens
of Union refugee women and children?
8.
Discuss with your students the stated and unstated EVIDENCES that Jeff is discouraged about the war from
this chapter.
9.
RESEARCH with your students: What is a MULE-TRAIN?
10.
In Chapter 12, “Battle of Prairie Grove,” Jeff encounters, for the first time, PROPAGANDA in written form.
(page 126) In this chapter someone else has been propagandized against Jeff. Discuss how Jeff dealt with the lie
that little Jackie had
been told. How do you feel is the best way to deal with deception or distorted facts that have been told about
you?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 16
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter is called The Name on the Watch?
2.
Explain why you think, or don’t think, Jeff is exhibiting risky behavior in swimming with the
enemy.
3.
Research with students, punishments for insubordination in the military during Civil War time.
After all the times that Jeff has deliberately defied Captain Clardy, why so you think Jeff is still
alive and still in the army?
4.
List character qualities exhibited by Jeff regarding the care of Lee Washbourne’s body.
5.
Jeff is wondering about Captain Clardy’s behavior concerning music. At one time he said,
“Singin’ soldiers won’t fight.” Now he is requesting Bill Earle to sing. Jeff feels something is
wrong with the whole situation, but doesn’t know what. SPECULATE as to what you think
Captain Clardy is up to.
6.
Combined with what you already know about General Blunt from previous chapters, what more
do you learn about him as a leader of men in this chapter?
7.
COMPARE and/or CONTRAST the “recess” that David said the swim with the rebel soldiers
was to the “recess” you have at school.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 17
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called The Ride of Noah Babbitt?
2.
Describe the inside of General Blunt’s tent.
3.
Describe what Jeff was to do as a scout.
4.
“Noah was doing some wonderful riding, although not in the generally accepted fashion.” describe in
words or with sketches the ride of Noah Babbitt. Why did the enemy think he was Lieutenant Foss?
5.
“Noah was doing some wonderful riding, although not in the generally accepted fashion.” DESCRIBE
IN WORDS OR WITH SKETCHES the ride of Noah Babbitt. Why did the
enemy think he was Lieutenant Foss?
6.
EXPLAIN what Noah meant by, “G’wan, you fly-slicers! Have your fun. There’s no danger any o’
you bein’ mistook for your betters.”
6.
Discuss with your students the several instances throughout the past seventeen chapters of this book
where Jeff seems to have a problem with speaking respectfully toward officers. In this chapter he
speaks very “familiarly” with General Blunt. Is Jeff showing disrespect? Is this his nature? What is
there about Jeff that he keeps treating officers as his equals?
7.
Jeff is now a Union scout. He knows he escaped death twice the day before. He is going to visit Lucy
to say, “Good-bye.” Jeff seems to have CHANGED since he first enlisted with the Kansas Volunteers
at Fort Leavenworth. Discuss with your students, changes they observe in Jeff. Discuss things that are
the same about him.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 18
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called Sunday?
2.
What did Jeff observe outside the Washbourne home? What did he do for
the women? Recall past instances when Jeff did similar things for others.
3.
Why do you think Lucy’s attitude toward Jeff has changed?
4.
Why do you think the Union army would tear down churches in and
around Tahlequah?
5.
What, in this chapter, tells you that Jeff may be DISILLUSIONED with
the war?
6.
Why did David Gardner warn Jeff not to ride anywhere near the Watie
outfit?
7.
What was Jeff’s mission and his preparation for the upcoming scout?
8.
Jeff and Jim Bostwick are halted by rebel soldiers. Why do you or do you
not think Jim said the right thing to the rebels? What would you have
done and said in a similar situation? PREDICT what you think may be
the outcome of Bostwick’s remark.
9.
Why do you think that Perce was nervous when she waited on Jeff and
“was always careful to walk far around him when she passed”?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 19
1. Why is this chapter called Wrong Side of the River?
2. When Jeff heard that they were with Watie men, why did he break
out into a cold sweat and why could he feel the execution
blindfold?
3. After Jeff and Jim got stopped by rebel soldiers, what two
alternatives did they have?
4. Why do you think the rebels acted like “they were the gayest,
most light-hearted troops he had ever seen”?
5. What was Jeff’s first distressing thought after being dispatched
with a guard patrol? What decision would you have made under
the same circumstances? Why?
6. When Leemon Jones said, “We loves ouah mastahs but we all
want to be free someday,” how do you think Jeff felt? Do you
think he was ENCOURAGED to keep fighting? How do you know
Jeff’s sympathies are still solidly with the North?
7. Early on the day of the battle, Jeff had CONFLICTING
THOUGHTS about what he should do. What were they?
8. Discuss with your students the concept of LOYALTY. Jeff was
loyal to “his” side in the war. He had a job to do—get information
that might help the war end sooner. He was loyal to Bostwick. He
didn’t want to leave and thus get Bostwick in trouble. He felt
loyalty to the surly, Sergeant Fields when he helped save his life.
He had feelings for Heifer and felt bad about deceiving him. Would
Jeff be the kind of friend you would want, or would he be a
LIABILITY?
9. There is a great simile on page 243 describing Union bullets. What
is it?
10. The author states on page 242 that General Blunt’s timing was
superb. What does he mean by that?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 20
Discussion/Review Questions
1. Why is this chapter called The Jackmans?
2. RECALL from the end of chapter 19 the symptoms of Jeff’s
illness. COMPARE those to the description Hannah gives.
RESEARCH in an encyclopedia the symptoms of malaria. How
does one contract the disease? How long does recovery usually
take? Pinpoint from chapter 19 where Jeff contracted the disease.
3. Define PARADOX. Discuss with your students how Stand Watie,
the Washbournes, and Jackmans all present a paradox in Jeff’s
mind.
4. What kind of training did the Jackman girls receive? What did
they not do or learn to do? How does this compare to the
research you did in chapter 11 on Southern families and women’s
duties in the home?
5. How do you know that Jeff is feeling INDEBTED TO and
LOYALTY for the Jackmans?
6. Discuss with your students Jeff’s DILEMMA. 100 miles from Fort
Gibson, very sick, feels obligated to the kind folks who have
cared for him, BUT something very bad was likely to happen that
might prolong the war five more years and cause defeat for the
Union in the West? PREDICT what Jeff will do.
7. With no men around, other than an aged Negro slave, how does
Jeff take leadership in the Jackman family, even though he is
sick?
8. Recall with your students Jeff’s attitude toward the war before
and just after he enlisted. Discuss what you can discover of Jeff’s
attitude now.
9. What did Mrs. Jackman mean by, “The milk is on the floor”?
10. Two descriptive similes on pages 265 and 266 describe people.
What are they?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 21
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called Boggy Depot?
2.
Why do you think that Heifer takes such good care of Jeff?
3.
Jeff watches Heifer cook and listens to him hum his favorite religious hymn,
Jeff feels ashamed. Why?
4.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST the kind of attention and treatment Jeff gets
with the Kansas Volunteers and with the Watie riders.
5.
When someone gives you a gift, how do you feel toward that person? List the
people “in enemy territory” who have given gifts or of themselves, to Jeff.
ANALYZE the feelings of OBLIGATION Jeff must be experiencing toward
“the enemy.”
6.
Describe Jeff’s thoughts and emotions as he sees the rebel flag in the center
of Boggy Depot.
7.
Jeff is thinking of defecting—“. . . if he ever decided to stay permanently . .
....” Summarize from this chapter, why you think Jeff is either an IDEALIST
or a REALIST.
8.
On raiding parties and cavalry dashes, what was Jeff’s job? Why do you think
Sergeant Fields assigned this to him? What differences are there between
Sergeant Clardy and Sergeant
Fields?
9.
Jeff observed “the fierce loyalty of the Cherokee rebels to their cause.”
Distinguish the difference between the Kansas Volunteers and Watie’s riders.
10.
Jeff wanted to get to Fort Gibson to tell them about the smuggling of
repeating rifles and that there was a betrayer at the Fort. Why did he delay?
Predict what Jeff will be willing to do, given his new loyalties.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 22
Review/Discussion Questions
1. Why is this chapter called Pheasant Bluff?
2. On page 284, the author says, “Jeff squirmed in torment.” Discuss
with your students all the things that had to be going through
Jeff’s mind at that moment when he saw Heifer beside him, smiling
at him with all the devotion of a father to a son.
3. Identify reasons from this chapter that you know it is getting
harder and harder for Jeff to leave Watie’s Mounted Rifles and go
back to Fort Gibson.
4. Discuss with your students, FEELINGS that Jeff is experiencing
(stated or not stated), and THOUGHTS he is thinking that indicate
he is becoming more and more a Confederate soldier and
sympathizer.
5. Jeff expresses his KINDNESS and LOYALTY to Hooley Pogue after
he was shot at Pheasant Bluff. Jeff had to throw down his armload
of Union cargo he had gotten for the Jackmans. How do you think
Jeff could have balanced his kind-hearted nature and loyalty to
people with his job as a Union scout? Is there a time to “shake off”
natural instincts in favor or one’s job? Describe how Jeff could
have done this.
6. What inner battle did Jeff fight on the way back to camp? What
was at stake no matter what he decided?
7. What two events happen in this chapter which bring Jeff back to
reality?
8. Analyze FEELINGS VS FACTS. Is there room, in war, for the kind
of emotions Jeff had for his rebel comrades? Discuss what you
think should be the balance. Do you think that Jeff did the right
thing by deciding to leave? Defend your position. What would you
have done differently?
9. What did Watie do with what he took from the Union? Explain why
you do or don’t think this justifies the taking.
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 23 & 24
1. Why are these chapters called The Redbud Tree and Flight?
2. BEFORE reading chapter 24 predict the outcome of Jeff’s flight.
(Bear in mind that Fort Gibson is 125 miles from Boggy Depot,
where Jeff is now. He is on foot. It is September.)
3. Discuss CLIMAX in a story. Define it. (The highest point of
intensity in a story or work.) Where is the climax in this novel?
4. Define PROTAGONIST AND ANTAGONIST. Who are the
protagonist and antagonist in this novel? Discuss the two
characters in relation to STATIC AND DYNAMIC characteristics.
Defend your choices and reasons.
5. On page 303, the author says of Jeff that his thoughts kept going
back with “pleasant melancholy” to Lucy. How can those two
words be used together?
6. How do you know that Jeff’s sentiments are divided during the
first few days on his flight?
7. Discuss and define with your students CONFLICT. Chapters 22 &
23 contain large doses of conflict. Detail all the things Jeff is in
conflict about in both chapters. Detail what conflicts Lucy is
dealing with. (Conflict: struggle between opposing forces)
8. Jeff recognized a rutted, wide road. It encouraged him as it
marked the halfway point in his journey. What landmarks do you
“mark” as you work through a challenging project? How do you
feel at that halfway mark? Explain if you can or cannot identify
with Jeff’s feelings of encouragement.
9. Research what happens to the body without food for up to two
weeks. What happens each day without food? Did the author
paint an accurate view of Jeff’s physical condition?
10. Where, in this chapter, do you find that Jeff is now anticipating
arriving at Fort Gibson, and that his loyalties and sympathies and
once again with the North?
Rifles for Watie
Chapter 25
Review/Discussion Questions
1.
Why is this chapter called Linn County, Kansas, 1865?
2.
From this chapter, describe the physical realities of war that Jeff sees on his
way home from Fort Gibson (Oklahoma) to Linn County, Kansas. One of the
descriptions of devastation that the author uses is “every hoof and horn
swept away.” Explain what that means.
3.
After Jeff reads Lucy’s letter, he begins thinking about the people he knew on
the defeated side. “His regret came like pain.” Explain what that statement
means.
4.
Jeff felt that “the South had been wrong to start the war, but now that it was
over and the Union restored, he didn’t want to see the rebels punished
unreasonably. He hoped the country would be united again, bigger and
stronger than ever, North and South.” Did this happen? RESEARCH to find
out what President Abraham Lincoln’s position was toward the South after
the war. After Lincoln was assassinated, what actually happened to the
South? (If you research this subject well, you will lead your students into an
understanding of why the resentment of southerners for the North was so
deep and was passed on from generation to generation in Southern families.)
5.
Bill Earle said that his Aunt Phoebe was “born with her hands on her hips.”
What did he mean?
6.
REVIEW Jeff’s reasons for asking his dad to write a letter permitting him to
join the army at age sixteen. SUMMARIZE what else Jeff got in the process
of war.
7.
DESCRIBE the difference in David Gardner’s homecoming in 1865 with the
morning his mother chased him away after he deserted. Why do you think
there was such a difference?
8.
Recall with your students the way John Chadwick came home. What kind of a
person can you INFER that John was?
9.
In Lucy’s letter, she speaks of her father, General Watie, Hooley Pogue,
Heifer, and herself. Everyone she mentions, seems not to feel betrayed by
Jeff, but has respect for him. Why?
10.
PREDICT what you think the future holds for Jeff Bussey. If you were writing
a sequel to this book, what would the plot be?
http://www.usd268.org/middle-school/classrooms/ms-communications/mrsharris/novel/rifles-for-waite