English 113

Questions for DARE by Marilyn Halvorson

Chapters 9 - 17

Chapter 9

1. In chapter 8, Laura decides not to involve the police in Dare's attempted stealing of the truck. List the things she makes him do instead. What does Dare wish she had done instead? Why?

2. Describe the horse named Smoke.

3. On page 70, Dare asks Ty why Laura likes Smoke if he's so much trouble. Explain Ty's answer. Could Laura like Dare for the same reason? Explain.

4. What does it mean to "ground tie"? (See page 71)

Chapter 10:

1. Why does Ty want $25 from Dare? How did Dare and Ty's mother die?

2. On page 77, Dare says, "Between studying and helping Laura he didn't have much time for missing Gran. It seemed pretty weird, but I was the one who was going nuts." Why was Dare "going nuts"? What did Dare begin dreaming about again after Gran's funeral?

3. Who called Dare? Where does Dare decide to go with him, and why?

Chapter 11:

1. What risky stunt does Dare try in Chapter 11? Why does he do it? Describe this experience and how it makes Dare feel.

Chapter 12:

1. At the end of Chapter 11, Dare says, "For once I'd outfoxed Laura." Had he? Explain your answer.

2. On page 9 1, Dare says, "My kid brother is changing, I thought."What does Dare mean? Is Tyler changing?

3. Is Laura too hard on Dare in Chapter 12? Explain your answer.

Chapter 13:

1. What does Dare think Laura's opinion of him is now? What decision does he make as a result of this?

2. Reread the paragraph on page 96 starting with "You hear that Laura? I'm done." Describe Dare's state of mind at this point.

3. Chapter 13 is full of examples of the power struggle between Laura and Dare.

Identify and discuss three examples of where Dare tries to maintain the upper hand while dealing with Laura.

4. In a paragraph of at least 8 sentences, describe Laura McConnell.

Chapter 14:

1. In chapter 14, what does Dare say is the only reason he is staying at Laura's?

2. On page 103, Dare says, "I was mad at him all the way to Calgary but I didn't know why." Why do you think Dare was mad? Was he angry at Keith?

3. Why do Keith and Dare end up hitchhiking?

Chapter 15:

1. What are the two ways Dare suggests for hitchhiking?

2. Describe the driver who picks up the boys. What are some of the signs the boys should have realized indicated that this was not a good drive to take?

3. Who is "Uncle Don"?

4. What crisis occurs during chapter 15? Describe Dare's reactions during the episode.

Chapter 16:

1. Who arrests Dare? What name does Dare give the police? Why?

2. Why does Dare lie about his age? Why does Dare's age make a difference to the police?

Chapter 17:

1. Describe Silk and Animal. Why is each man's name appropriate?

2. Why does Dare refuse to tell Corporal Vinelli what happened in the cell?

3. What does Dare mean " it couldn't be. . . could it?"(page 130)?