Cue For Treason - Chapter 13 analysis

Cue for Treason– Chapter Analysis

Chapter 13 – The Clue of the Sonnet

Questions:

1.    Is the title of the chapter appropriate?

Yes, because the chapter is about the sonnet Peter and Kit found. They found the sonnet in the house of the yellow gentleman and realized there was a clue hidden in it. They also found the clue itself during the chapter, making it quite a solid title.

2.    Suggest an alternative title for the chapter.

‘‘Send News by Peel’’, because that is the clue that was hidden in the sonnet. Because of the clue, Peter and Kit knew what to do next. It also adds a little mystery, because at the beginning of the chapter you don’t know what the title means exactly.

3.    What is the climax of the chapter?

The climax is on page 157, when Peter said ‘‘‘I know, sir!’’’. This is because, at this very moment, Peter solved the last part of the clue. The entire chapter had been leading up to this moment, and after this, Peter, Kit, Sir Francis, Sir Joseph, and Sir Robert decided what to do next. That all takes place in chapter 14.

4.    Summarize the plot of the chapter.

Peter and Kit tried to find the clue in a sonnet they found. After trying to solve the clue for ages, they decided to go to Sir Joseph Mompesson. After Peter and Kit informed him about the clue, he set up an appointment with Sir Robert Cecil. Together with them and Sir Francis Bacon, they deciphered the sonnet. After finding this information, they decided to investigate up in Cumberland, and Sir Robert Cecil wanted Peter to do it.

5.    Discuss the ‘lead-in’ used at the end of the chapter.

In my opinion, the lead-in was very good. At the end of the chapter, everyone decided what they were going to do next. But the very last sentence still left you with a bit of a surprise; ‘‘He raised his eyes and looked straight at me.’’ This leaves you with just enough information to make you want to read on, but not so much that you’re already ‘bored’ of it.

6.    Provide some extra information about the chapter.

Peter and Kit did not break into the house of the yellow gentleman for nothing, they came to take back a play he stole from them. When they found the play, the sonnet was written on the back. It also had ‘‘26 copies’’ written underneath it. Peter did not really think anything of it, as he thought it was just a silly sonnet, but Kit was convinced that it meant a great deal. After they both agreed that there was something strange about the sonnet, they started trying to decipher it. 

New characters and places:

Sir Joseph Mompesson – on page 148, Peter and Kit first met Sir Joseph. He was a Secretary of State, a big man. Peter and Kit reached out to him to inform him of the complot against the queen.

Sir Robert Cecil – on page 152, Peter and Kit first met Sir Robert. He was the head of the Queen’s Secret Service. Sir Joseph contacted him after Peter and Kit told Sir Joseph what they knew about the plot.

Sir Francis Bacon – on page 154, Sir Francis Bacon was first mentioned, when Peter and Kit met him. He was a cousin of Sir Robert Cecil, and helped crack the clue of the sonnet.

Sir Joseph Mompesson’s house – on page 148, Peter and Kit enter the house of Sir Joseph. They are there to talk to Sir Joseph.

Sir Robert Cecil’s house/office – on page 152, Peter and Kit entered the house and office of Sir Robert Cecil. They were there because it was not safe to meet at Sir Joseph’s house again.

Vocabulary:

These are a few terms found in the chapter, that I personally, found the most difficult, or that I even had to look up.

Impositions (p144) – A burden, or an obligation

Impudently (p147) – Lacking modesty, with rude boldness

Disengaged (p148) – Not busy/engaged in something

Warily (p150) – Cautiously, carefully

Gravely (p152) – In a slow and solemn manner

Cipher (p155) – A key to writing secret messages

Forrader (155) – Further ahead