1. Dragon, Dragon by
John Gardner
Review

2. What can you conclude about the dragon in this story?
He is more of a pest than a danger.

3. 2. In the story, the king says, “I’m not a tyrant
2. In the story, the king says, “I’m not a tyrant.” What type of characterization would this be considered?
indirect characterization

4. 3. What one word could describe the wizard in “Dragon, Dragon”?
incompetent

5. 4. In “Dragon, Dragon,” which details helps you infer that the cobbler is very sensible?
He objects to the king’s offers because they require too much responsibility.

6. 5. Which excerpt is a direct characterization of the middle son in A”Dragon, Dragon”?
The middle son was very strong...

7. 6. In “Dragon, Dragon,” who follows the wise old cobbler’s advice?
The youngest son takes his father’s advice.

8. 7. What happens when the youngest son recites his father’s poem to the dragon?
The dragon begins to laugh.

9. 8. How does the dragon in “Dragon, Dragon,” die?
The sword falls of its own weight and cuts off the dragon’s head.

10. 9. What happens to the cobbler’s two older sons in the story?
Their lives are saved when they crawl out of the dead dragon.

11. 10. What lesson do the two older brothers learn in “Dragon, Dragon”?
Always take your father’s advice.

12. 11. When the dragon ravages the kingdom what can you infer that the dragon really wants?
He really wants to cause confusion and trouble.

13. 12. In “Dragon, Dragon,” why does the king call a meeting?
He wants to find a way to stop the dragon.

14. 13. What are the cobbler’s thoughts at the beginning of the king’s meeting?
He thinks he is too unimportant to attend the meeting.

15. 14. What inference can be made from this sentence in “Dragon, Dragon”
14. What inference can be made from this sentence in “Dragon, Dragon”? The dragon who had seen the cobbler’s youngest son while he was still a long way off, was seated up above the door, inside the cave, waiting and smiling to himself.
The dragon expects to surprise the youngest son.

16. 15. When the two oldest sons are eaten by the dragon what can you infer?
Trickery or brute force will not defeat the dragon.

17. Troubled or deeply annoyed
plagued

18. Violently destroyed
ravaged

19. Harsh, cruel ruler
tyrant

20. Jealously
enviously

21. Thinking seriously
reflecting

22. Stretched out for a better look
craned

23. 16. With _____ characterization, writers make straightforward statements about a character For example, “Ron is honest.”
direct

24. indirect
17. With ______ characterization, writers present a character’s thoughts, words, and actions and reveal what others say and think about the character.

25. Text-Based Question
Write an essay describing the character traits of one character from “Dragon, Dragon.” Give as much information about the character as you can. Use details from both direct and indirect characterizations in the story in your description.

26. Response
Students’ essays should include at least three character traits from the character they choose. For example, they may characterize the king as vain, silly, and not very smart; the cobbler as humble, wise, and patient. Students should illustrate their description with story details.