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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

By Rodman Philbrick

Novel Study Guide

This guide belongs to: _____________________________

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Novel TermsDirections: Look up the following terms using the dictionary, online resources, and

the class website. Write the definitions for each word below.

1. Historical Fiction –

2. Novel –

3. Chapter –

4. Characterization –

5. Foreshadowing –

6. Allusion –

7. Antagonist –

8. Protagonist –

9. Dialogue –

10. Personification –

11. Metaphor –

12. Simile –

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Chapters 1-3

Before you read the chapters:1. Every good novel needs an interesting antagonist (“bad guy”). In these first three chapters, we meet a character that you will probably instinctively dislike. What specific characteristics do you think make for a really effective antagonist? Try to come up with at least three characteristics.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Vocabulary – Match each word with its definition. Use the classroom dictionaries as a resource as needed.

1. scalawag a. a deadly epidemic or disease2. perish b. much of something3. pestilence c. to beat with one’s fists4. aggrieve d. wonderful or marvelous5. pummel e. the care, feeding, stabling, etc. of horses for pay6. deliberate f. scamp; rascal7. prodigious g. compulsory enrollment of persons for military service8. complicated h. to injure by injustice9. livery i. suitcase10. conscription j. on purpose11. abundance k. to die or be destroyed12. valise l. difficult to understand

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Questions for Chapters 1-3

1. Describe the setting of the first three chapters. Remember that a setting includes both the place and time period.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2a. Think of four appropriate words to describe the personality of Squinton Leach.____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________

2b. Consider Squinton Leach’s name and how it sounds. How is his name appropriate/fitting for his character?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Find an example in the list of “Things Uncle Hates” that is totally illogical (makes no sense).____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Why did it surprise the boys when their uncle left for town on Bob the horse?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What kind of man was J.T. Marston. Include evidence from the text to support your answer.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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6. Describe the purpose of the Enrollment Act.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7a. Why did Homer believe that his brother would not survive the war? Why may this be a legitimate concern?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7b. What did Homer intend to do about this?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Theme Tracker #1:What do Homer’s actions/the events in Chapters 1-3 reveal about life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapters 4-6

Before you read the chapters:1. Many children threaten to run away from home. In this section, Homer actually does just that. Consider the setting of the novel. What disadvantages, obstacles, and/or dangers may Homer face out on his own?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions for Chapters 4-61. The author uses many unusual expressions which often contain ridiculous exaggerations. One example is, “His voice is bad enough to crack the moon” (24). Find two more examples from these chapters and record them here.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. How long did it take homer to dig his way out of the cellar?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. How does Homer rationalize taking Bob along with him?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. How do the two characters Homer meets in Chapter 6 have appropriate names?

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What did Stink have against Homer’s father, Henry?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. What was Smelt’s opinion of Judge Marston?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. What does Homer promise Stink and Smelt if they let him go? How does this incident add to what we know about Homer?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapters 7-9

Before you read the chapters:1. In the next three chapters, we are introduced to an abolitionist. Considering that this story takes place during the American Civil War, what would this person be interested in abolishing? How might she/he go about accomplishing this?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Vocabulary – In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word that does not belong. Then write a sentence explaining why it does not fit.1. emancipate free antagonize liberate____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. impress condone influence

inspire____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. modification alteration adjustment facilitate____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. vague supine ambiguous unclear

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. carrion urn vase vessel____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. magnificent splendid glorious offensive____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. obvious subtle implied

indistinct____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. convenient handy cantankerous nearby____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Theme Tracker #2:What do Homer’s actions/the events in Chapters 4-9 reveal about life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters 10-12Before you read the chapters:1. In one point in Chapter 11 Homer says, “I can’t do nothing. Nothing is not an option” (65). Is this always true? Defend your answer.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions for Chapters 10-121. Homer gave himself away when he said he was from Smelt, but how else did Mr. Brewster know that Homer was connected to Stink and Smelt?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What reason did Brewster give to Homer for not referring to a person’s complexion?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What was the Underground Railroad?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. The author of this novel has a talent for ending his chapters in a suspenseful note (known as a cliffhanger). Reread the last paragraphs of Chapters 10-12 and decide which ending you enjoyed the most. How was this ending especially effective?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. When Homer asks Mr. Brewster what he should do about meeting Smelt, the older man leaves the decision with Homer. Do you think this was a good choice? How else might he have handled it?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Where did Homer tell Smelt that the slaves were being held?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. When Homer first went to live with Squinton Leach, what was the one thing he was most afraid of (other than the dark)?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapters 13-15Before you read the chapters:1. Chapter 12 ended on a very suspenseful note. Predict what you think will happen next.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Vocabulary – Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlined word(s).Convince Solemn Indisposed Ingenuity Humiliate Pursued Honorable Affiliated Conscience

1. I certainly didn’t mean to embarrass you. ________________________2. The judge is a high-principled person.

________________________3. What would it take to persuade you that I’m right?

________________________4. I’m sure she’s connected to our family somehow. ________________________5. I’m afraid he can’t see you right now, for he is ill. ________________________6. My brother is a very serious little boy. ________________________7. At the Science Fair, Marsha’s intelligence was on ________________________ display for all to see.8. He chased us all the way back home. ________________________

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9. It appears that Stink and Smelt have no________________________

scruples whatsoever.

Questions for Chapters 13-151. Explain why Chapter 13 is titled, “A Wagonload of Hope”.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Describe Samuel’s reaction after dealing with Stink and Smelt. Why did he feel that way?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. How had Samuel managed to escape from Stink and Smelt?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Although Samuel tells Homer he hasn’t eaten or had much to drink for three days, he immediately sets out with a wagonload of escaping slaves without getting anything to eat. Why do you think Samuel made this choice?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Foreshadowing: At the conclusion of Chapter 14, the author says of The Reverend Webster B. Willow, “I saw the cheese and never paid attention to the trap. Trap by the name of Willow” (83). Predict how Willow may turn out to be a “trap” for Homer.

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What provisions had Jebediah Brewster made for Homer to help him find his brother?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. What does Homer compare the train ride to at the end of chapter 15?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Theme Tracker #3:What do Homer’s actions/the events in Chapters 10-15 reveal about life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters 16-18Before you read the chapters:1. Homer discovers in the next few chapters that Mr. Willow is a very gullible person. What does this word mean? Give an example of gullibility.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions for Chapters 16-181. What hint is provided in the first few paragraphs of Chapter 16 that Willow is not very bright?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Chapter 16 features examples of similes. Halfway through the chapter the author states, “Mr. Willow’s face gets as red as a ripe tomato” (92). Find another example of a simile in the very next paragraph.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What is Homer’s opinion of lawyers? Provide proof from the text for your answer.

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Describe Mr. Willow’s behavior around Kate Nibbly.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. How does Homer explain the fact that he is able to see right through Frank and Kate Nibbly?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Describe how Mr. Willow becomes engaged to Kate.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. How did the Nibblys manage to separate Homer from Willow in Chapter 18?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. We have already read about a number of important conflicts in this novel. Find three types of conflict in The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg and explain what type each conflict is.1. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. __________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters 19-21Before you read the chapters:1. In the next section, Homer meets up with a travelling caravan. Why do you think caravans and circuses were popular during this time period?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Vocabulary – Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of the word is clear in your sentence. 1. inspire (v) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. torment (n or v) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. taunt (v) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4. ruse (n) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. proximity (n) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. exude (v) – ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions for Chapters 19-211. How could the death of Silas Wiggin be described as ironic?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Why was it impossible for Homer to tell his tormentors that he wasn’t a pig boy?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. After rescuing him, Professor Fleabottom makes an interesting proposal to Homer. He tells Homer that their geek just died. A geek in the 1860’s was different than geeks of the 21st Century. Use your glossary to look up what the term means.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Why did the Professor think that if Homer joined his Caravan it would help him to find his brother?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. The title for Chapter 21 has two factual errors about the events of the chapter. What are they?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Give two reasons why Minerva must have been quite an attraction for the customers to the carnival.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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Chapters 22-24Before you read the chapters:1. Chapter 22 has an intriguing title, “The Secret in the Wagons”. Predict what you think this chapter might be about.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Vocabulary – Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence.parasol odiferous discretion dexterity demonstrate tantalizing frolic indignity emanate ferocious

1. My mother thought it an unwelcome ______________________ to be singled out like that.2. The Professor demonstrated his ______________________ with a deck of cards by shuffling three packs all at once.

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3. The young woman’s ______________________ was ruined during the windstorm.4. It was a lot of fun to watch the colts ______________________ in the meadow.5. “Let me ______________________ for you how to throw a curve ball,” the pitcher suggested.6. A ______________________ aroma greeted us from the kitchen.7. “May I count on your absolute ______________________ in keeping this from the public?” the mayor asked.8. One would not expect such a small dog to be so ______________________.9. We found the chicken coop’s ______________________ atmosphere to be more than we could bear.10. A pale green light began to ______________________ from the space craft.


1. Below are a number of descriptive phrases. Check off the ones that apply to the author’s description of Portland, Maine in Chapter 22.a) hunched-up women begging □ b) ladies with parasols □c) folks of all colors □ d) covered wagons pulled by oxen □e) prisoners of war □ f) men in rags □

2. How did Homer travel to Jersey City?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Why does the concluding sentence in Chapter 22 turn out to be so disappointing?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4. What ready-made audience did the Professor find in Jersey City? What were these people doing there?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What three acts did the Professor and his troupe perform for their audience?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Describe how Homer felt about playing The Amazing Pig Boy.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters 25-27Before you read the chapters:1. In the next section, we meet a rather remarkable man who lives for balloons – huge, flying balloons that people ride in. Think of one good thing about riding in a balloon and one thing which would not be too good (To make it more interesting, you can imagine being a balloon man during a time of war).__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Vocabulary – Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Using the context of the sentences below, choose the best synonym for the underlined word in each sentence.1. Any mention of the dreadful fire was forbidden in our house.

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a) emphasized b) banned c) located d) whispered

2. No one expected him to perish during the voyage.a) succeed b) prosper c) languish d) expire

3. That particular wildflower can be located in this vicinity.a) area b) season c) manner d) company

4. “For the very life of me,” declared Aunt Margaret, “I never thought that our family would produce a secessionist.”a) attorney b) rebel c) scientist d) inventor

5. Before finally accepting herself for who she is, my sister went through much torment.a) teasing b) therapy c) agony d) rebellion


1. Sarcasm is defined as, “ridicule or mockery, often used harshly to hurt another person”. For example, someone might say, “Don’t work too hard” to a lazy worker. Find an example of sarcasm in the first paragraph of Chapter 25.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. There is a strong contrast between the choice of words used by Homer and the Professor. Another author has stated that some words have the sound of caviar (rich and elegant), and others sound more common (peanut

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butter words). With a partner, come up with six examples of each type of word – either from the novel or from your own language.

Caviar Words Peanut Butter Words

3. What does the expression, “seeing the elephant” mean?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. What disturbing thing does Homer see the Professor do late one night?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What terrible cargo did the wagons hold?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. What purpose did balloons serve at this time?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Write a brief summary of the role that Homer played in rescuing Bobbins and his balloon.

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Chapters 28-30

Before you read the chapters:1. In the coming chapters, Homer finds himself a prisoner of war. Fortunately, Homer is quite the talker and has quite the imagination. How do you think he might be able to talk his way out of this problem?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Vocabulary – Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Draw a line from each word in Column A to its antonym in Column B.

Column ADisputeTraitorEventuallyExtraordinaryAghastConfideDisguise


Directions: Indicate whether to following statements are True or False

1. Professor Fleabottom told the Captain that Tally didn’t respond T or Fto his question because he was mute.

Column BFamiliarConcealExposeUnsurprisedAgreementImmediatelyPatriot

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2. Fenton Fleabottom’s real name was Davy Crockett. T or F

3. Fleabottom told the Captain that he was only making inquiries. T or Fabout the Union Troops so as to help Homer find his brother.

4. The man that Fleabottom met in the dark of night was his son, Levi. T or F

5. When homer attempts his escape in the balloon, he is almost shot T or Fto death by the Captain’s troops.

6. A tear in the balloon’s silk finally causes it to crash. T or F

7. When the balloon comes down Homer escapes death by landing in T or Fa haystack.

8. General Jeb Stuart orders Homer to be taken to the bull pit. T or F

9. Homer tells his story to a captured newspaperman who writes for a T or Fnewspaper in Chambersburg.

10. Homer tells the Southern troops that he is from a wealthy, T or Fslave-owning family in Maine.

Chapters 31-33Before you read the chapters:1. In Chapter 33, we find a rather glaring coincidence in the novel. Why do you think most writers try not to rely on coincidence when writing the plot of a novel?

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


1. What horrors was Homer exposed to during the first day of battle?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What kept Homer going during this tough and trying time?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What happened that enabled Homer to escape from the Confederates?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Chapter 32 has an interesting title. After reading about Homer’s harrowing adventures in this chapter, what do you think he would like to forget?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Describe what became of Webster B. Willow.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Describe Harold’s circumstances when found by his younger brother.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Setting – The Battle of GettysburgThe Battle of Gettysburg has been called the turning point in the American Civil War. Almost 50,000 men were casualties during these terrible days – approximately one-quarter of the soldiers who took part. Many brave men took their stand during this battle and many, too, paid the ultimate price, giving their lives for what they believed. Below are just some of the heroes of Gettysburg. Choose one of these men and write a short summary of his contributions during this memorable battle. Your account should be at least 10 sentences.

1. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, Union Army2. Lieutenant General Longstreet, Confederacy3. General George Armstrong Custer, Union Army4. General George E. Pickett, Confederacy5. General Winfield Scott Hancock, Union Army6. General Lewis A. Armistead, Confederacy

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapters 34-36Before you read the chapters:1. If you were the author of this novel, describe how you would end the story.

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Vocabulary – Match each vocabulary word with its definition.

1. Disgrace A. Meaning

2. Sham B. Imprisonment

3. Privy C. Dislodged

4. Signify D. Outhouse; bathroom

5. Reminisce E. Obscured

6. Confinement F. Beat back

7. Wrenched G. Shame

8. Repel H. Fight

9. Shrouded I. Review; recall

10. Skirmish J. Fraud


Directions: Choose the most appropriate answer for each question.1. The one thing which Harold did not enjoy about the army was:

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a) the food b) sleeping in a tentc) marching in the hot sun d) his squad sergeant

2. What was the main reason for Harold wanting to join the regiment?a) leaving his hard life b) not having to care for Homerc) not having to farm d) seeing the last of his uncle

3. The commander of the 20th Maine was:a) Joshua Chamberlain b) Robert E. Leec) Ulysses S. Grant d) None of the above

4. Harold’s regiment was attacked by men from the state of:a) Texas b) Arkansasc) Virginia d) Alabama

5. Homer’s main responsibility during the battle was:a) holding the flag b) caring for the woundedc) bringing the men ammunition d) reloading rifles

6. Describe what Homer did to “keep Harold for getting killed” during the bayonet charge.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. What happened to Professor Fleabottom?a) Hanged as a spy b) Killed at Gettysburgc) Escaped to Mexico d) Went to prison

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8. Describe what eventually happened to Homer and Harold.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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