Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease Chapter Questions

Chapter One: Dawn is Dangerous Who is the narrator? Who is the protagonist? Predict who is the antagonist. Describe the narrative point of view. What is the setting of the novel? In which county is this chapter set?(pg 15) Why are they leaving the house when it is still dark? Peter Brownrigg Lonsdale, Cumberland Co., England

Chapter One: Dawn is Dangerous 8. What is a beck? (page 15) 9. Why was dawn so dangerous according to Peter? 10. How is Peter able to warn the men of an impending attack? 11. Explain how Peter narrowly escapes death. 12. What does Peter say at the end of the chapter that hints that he and his family may be in trouble?

Chapter Two: Escape At what time of day did school begin for Peter? Describe Nathaniel. Why was Peter convinced that the old people envied his journey to school? Why did George Bell go looking for Peter? When did Peter realize he was in serious trouble? Why does Mr. Brownrigg insist that his son cannot remain at home? Why is Peter happy about leaving home?

Chapter Three: Peril at Penrith What type of games did Peter and his friends play at the Stronghold when they were younger? What is a peel? How far was it from the Stronghold to Penrith? Penrith had very narrow streets that led to a very large and spacious square in the centre of town. Why had the town been designed this way? Who met Peter unexpectedly at the market?

Chapter Three: Peril at Penrith 6. What news did Peter receive about Sir Philip Morton? 7. What happened when Peter asked the travelling merchants if they needed a boy to help them? 8. How did Peter decide to take his mind off his homesickness? 9. Peter was shocked to see someone coming through the archway. Who was it? 10. Where did Peter choose to hide?

Chapter Four: There is Safety in Coffins Describe Peter’s very first stage appearance. 2. What does Peter plan to do when he discovers that Sir Philip has set a watch or guard at all roads leading out of Penrith? 3. How is the second part of his plan foiled?

Chapter Five: Someone Was Watching Why were they unable to reach Kendal that night? How did the group of actors react when they discovered Peter? Why did William Desmond ask Peter if he could sing? Explain what happened when the men on horseback discovered Peter hiding in the wagon. How did the Desmonds react when Peter was discovered? What happened to Christopher (Kit) Marlowe?

Chapter Six: Rivals on the Road What does Kit Kirkstone say that he would like to do? Why does Peter think that Kit is lying about his name? What is the significance of the title of this chapter? What address did Peter notice on Kit’s envelope?

Chapter Seven: Who is Kit Kirkstone? What did the acting company have to secure in each town before they could perform? Why did Peter say that Kit Kirkstone has spoiled things for him? Give evidence that Kit remained aloof from the other boys. What is a cockfight?

Chapter Seven: Who is Kit Kirkstone? 5. What reasons did half of the company give for wanting to finish the tour of Abingdon? 6. Explain the Poor Law. 7. What company did the Desmonds intend to join in London? 8. On what condition did Kit Kirkstone accept employment with Mr. and Mrs. Desmond in London?

Chapter Eight: The Man from Stratford What clues were there in the preceding chapters that indicated that Kit might have been a girl? What did Kit believe would happen if Mr. Desmond discovered her true identity? Explain why Kit and Peter decide to go on alone to London without the Desmonds. Who was the man from Stratford?

Chapter Nine: Re-enter Danger! Why was Shakespeare able to feast Peter and Kit that evening? Who did Shakespeare refer to as pirates? Whose eyes did Peter find himself looking into when he lifted his head? Do you think this was a good way to end the chapter? Why or why not?

Chapter Ten: Sir Philip is the Man Why did Peter think that his voice might reveal his true identity? Whose appearance has upset Burbage? Who saves Kit from a thrashing? Why? Why had Kit run away from her home? What is Kit’s real name? Describe Katherine’s feelings about Sir Philip Morton.

Who is the yellow gentleman? Why does Peter give him that name? Chapter Eleven: The House of the Yellow Gentleman Chapter Twelve: Treason on Thames-side Who is the yellow gentleman? Why does Peter give him that name? Why does Peter need a half a dozen daggers? Whose name does Peter hear being discussed by the yellow gentleman? What was Peter excited to see half hidden under a stack of letters? Kit suspects treason. What evidence supports her claims?

Chapter Thirteen: The Clue of the Sonnet Chapter Fourteen: Secret Agents Chapter Fifteen: The Lonely Tower How does Sir Francis Bacon decipher the code of the sonnet? What is the significance of the message? Who was Robert Cecil? What warning does Mrs. Brownrigg offer to Boyd and the two apprentices? Where did they decide to leave their horses? What is a perspective glass? Why did Tom refer to watching with the phrase, “This is like fishing”? What evidence did Tom find that someone had been at the peel recently? What was one of the men carrying on his fist?

Chapter Sixteen: The Heart of the Secret What was the “patch of water” at the bottom of the stairs? When does Peter realize that the two men in the tower are talking about Tom? What incredible plot does Peter overhear while listening to the two men? What happens to Peter at the end of chapter 16?

Chapter 17: Held for Questioning Describe Peter’s situation at the beginning of chapter 17. What does Peter discover when he attempts to run away from Duncan? How does Peter manage to free himself? How does the wind keep Peter a prisoner? What does Peter do to Anthony Duncan before leaving the islet in chapter 18? What thought keeps Peter going during the swim?

Chapter 18: Striding Edge No questions

Chapter Nineteen: Besieged How does Snap react at the sight of Peter? Who comes to the house looking for Peter? Describe what Peter and Kit intend to do after their escape through the narrow window.

Chapter 20: Then who is Loyal? No questions

Chapter 21 - 25 What does Peter think of Kit’s suggestion that they sell one of the horses? What route does Peter suggest they take to London to avoid detection? What was the Wool Pack? There is a narrative shift: Peter is no longer telling the story. Why not? Describe the new narrative point of view. Who is John Somers? Why are Kit and Peter introduced to Queen Elizabeth I? What happens to Sir Philip? What happens to Kit and Peter?