chapter 8

• Historical/Political

  "They were struck dumb with surprise when Napoleon announced that he had sold the pile of timber to Frederick. Tomorrow Frederick’s wagons would arrive and begin carting it away. Throughout the whole period of his seeming friendship with Pilkington, Napoleon had really been in secret agreement with Frederick."

  This is an allusion to the secret non-aggression pact (1939) between the Soviet Union and Germany; both countries promised not to attack one another and also divvied up the nations between them so each could gain more land and influence.
• What type of battle is described in the text?

  A savage, bitter battle
• What actions did the men take during the battle?

  They fired and lashed out with sticks
• Which animals were killed in the battle?

  A cow, three sheep, and two geese
• What was the outcome for the men in the battle?

  Nearly everyone was wounded
• What did the men realize during the battle?

  They were in danger of being surrounded
• What does the cowardly enemy do at the end of the passage?

  Runs for dear life
• Historical

  "It was a savage, bitter battle. The men fired again and again, and, when the animals got to close quarters, lashed out with their sticks and their heavy boots. A cow, three sheep, and two geese were killed, and nearly everyone was wounded. . . . But the men did not go unscathed either. . . . They saw that they were in danger of being surrounded . . . and the next moment the cowardly enemy was running for dear life."
• What historical event does the Battle of the Windmill allude to?

  World War II
• Which specific battle is referenced in relation to the Battle of the Windmill?

  The Battle of Stalingrad
• What years did the Battle of Stalingrad take place?

  1942–1943
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad for the Soviets?

  They emerged victorious
• What did the Soviets maintain control of after the battle?

  The city of Stalingrad