Rocket Boys Chapters 1-3 Quiz

What can be inferred about Homer Hickam's feelings towards his father in the early chapters?

• He deeply admires his father's work in the mine.

• He is indifferent to his father's expectations.

• He feels overshadowed by his father's expectations.

• He wants to follow in his father's footsteps exactly.

Answer explanation

Homer Hickam feels overshadowed by his father's expectations in the early chapters, as indicated by his struggles to meet those expectations.

The description of Coalwood as a mining town primarily serves to:

• Highlight the dangers of mining.

• Set up the town's economic dependence on coal.

• Illustrate the beauty of the West Virginia landscape.

• Show the prosperity brought by the mining industry.

Answer explanation

The description of Coalwood as a mining town primarily serves to set up the town's economic dependence on coal, highlighting its importance to the community's livelihood.

When Homer describes rocketry as "reaching for the stars," this is an example of:

• Metaphor.

• Simile.

• Personification.

• Hyperbole.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is metaphor because Homer is not directly comparing rocketry to reaching for the stars using 'like' or 'as,' but rather implying a deeper connection between the two.

Homer's decision to build rockets can best be summarized as:

• A sudden impulse after seeing Sputnik.

• A calculated move to escape Coalwood.

• An act of rebellion against his father.

• A long-standing dream fueled by his interest in science.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'A sudden impulse after seeing Sputnik' because Homer's decision to build rockets was influenced by the launch of Sputnik, which sparked his interest in space exploration.

The phrase "rocketing out of Coalwood" is an example of:

• Irony.

• Metaphor.

• Literal description.

• Hyperbole.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'rocketing out of Coalwood' is a metaphor because it implies a comparison between the action and a rocket taking off, not meant to be taken literally.

The community's primary concern with the rocket launches is:

• The potential for inspiring other children.

• The noise disturbing the peace.

• Safety and the risk of fires.

• The cost of the materials used.

Homer's brother, Jim, is primarily portrayed as:

• Supportive of Homer's ambitions.

• Indifferent to Homer's interests.

• Jealous of Homer's intelligence.

• Focused on his own path and achievements.

The Hickam family dynamics are best described as:

• Warm and supportive.

• Strained, with differing ambitions and values.

• Distant, with little communication.

• Unified, with a common goal.

Answer explanation

The Hickam family dynamics are best described as strained, with differing ambitions and values.

Homer's view of rocketry as a means to escape Coalwood is an example of:

• Symbolism.

• Irony.

• Literal interpretation.

• Foreshadowing.

Answer explanation

Homer's view of rocketry symbolizes his desire to escape Coalwood, representing deeper meanings beyond the literal interpretation.

Who owned the Hickam's house? Why is this important?

• The company owned their house in Coalwood. You had to work for the company in order to live in Coalwood.

• The Captain owned their house in Coalwood. He allowed them to move in after he retired.

• The mine Superintendent owned their house in Coalwood. The mine foreman was allowed to live there.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the company owned their house in Coalwood, and you had to work for the company to live there. This is important as it shows the dependency on the company for housing in the town.