78 pages • 2 hours read
Sid FleischmanThe Whipping Boy
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Reading Questions & Paired Texts
Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.
Chapters 1-4
Reading Check
1. What is the profession of Jemmy’s father?
2. What is the name of the royal tutor?
Short Answer
1. Why does Prince Horace become angry when Jemmy doesn’t cry out while being beaten?
2. Why does Prince Horace decide to run away?
Paired Resources
“Did Whipping Boys Really Exist? [Medieval Professions: Whipping Boy]”
- This Kobean History video details the history of the “whipping boy” amid historical examples and myths.
- In addition, this Idiom Origins page explains the origins of the “whipping boy” as a term.
- What do you think inspired the idea of a whipping boy? Why would a royal employ a whipping boy rather than another means of discipline?
“Spanking Worsens a Child’s Behavior”
- This 2021 CNN article reports findings from a recent study, suggesting that spanking is unlikely to improve a child’s behavior, and may actually encourage worse behavior. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)
Chapters 5-8
Reading Check
1. What is Billy’s full nickname?
2. What object leads Billy and Cutwater to realize that one of the boys must be the prince?
3. What does Billy use as makeshift ink for a ransom note?
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