everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Matchlock Gun. This detailed literature summary also contains For Further Reference on The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds. It's kind of exciting, the type of a book that boys love. 1. Based on an actual historical incident, The Matchlock Gun is a thrilling adventure story about self-preservation and the protection of loved ones. Edward also drags himself back inside to save the matchlock gun. This violence is not graphically depicted. help you understand the book. From their isolated home amidst the untamed fields and woods, Teunis Van Alstyne and his gentle wife, Gertrude, see the complex war only as a simple and immediate menace to their security. She tells Edward how and when to shoot it. A boy is left with an old-timey gun to protect his mom and sister during the French-Indian War. Edmonds structures the narrative to begin during both the French and Indian War. When she sees five of them coming toward her, she runs to the house. Shortly thereafter, Teunis and his men find Gertrude and the children and learn how Edward saved the family. Teunis bravely leaves home to fight. The Matchlock Gun Summary. Unlike a standard historical account of the war, Edmonds's story does not provide battle statistics or list the challenges facing settlers, but rather brings to life one gripping episode as experienced by a peaceful, loving family. Based on an actual historical incident, The Matchlock Gun is a thrilling adventure story about self-preservation and the protection of loved ones. G.P Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group (originally published in 1941, reprinted in 1998), Newbery Medal, 1942; Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, 1960, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets — “Enola Holmes Mystery” Series. From their isolated home amidst the untamed fields and woods, Teunis Van Alstyne and his gentle wife, Gertrude, see the complex war only as a simple and immediate menace to their security. Note: Earlier versions of this book may include somewhat more violent illustrations. Unlike a standard historical account of the war, Edmonds's story does not provide battle statistics or list the challenges facing settlers, but rather brings to life one gripping episode as experienced by a peaceful, loving family. The weapon is a Spanish matchlock gun, purchased in Bergen Op Zoom in the Netherlands by Edward’s great-grandfather. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains For Further Reference on The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family. Set during the French and Indian War, which pitted the French and the Native Americans against the British government and settlers, the story provides a glimpse of American history from the perspective of a Dutch-American family living in the wilderness of newly settled New York State. This Study Guide consists of approximately 9 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Our Summary of The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds In 'The Matchlock Gun,' Walter D. Edmonds focuses his novel on a historical incident. Now most Indians prefer to be called Native Americans. In The Matchlock Gun, Native Americans are referred to as Indians. The book is set in the year 1756 during the French and Indian War in Guilderland, New York. Grandmother Van Alstyne blatantly expresses her dislike for her daughter-in-law because Gertrude is not of pure Dutch descent. Preview of The Matchlock Gun Summary: Based on an actual historical incident, The Matchlock Gun is a thrilling adventure story about self-preservation and the protection of loved ones. The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds. Teunis Van Alstyne is a Dutch militia captain in the French and Indian War. I have some students that would probably still … The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds. Gertrude has refused her husband’s suggestion to hole up in the home of her mother-in-law, the Widow Van Alstyne, at her brick house with the family slaves. Indians attack the Van Alstyne family, set fire to the house and are killed. As he prepares to leave for battle, 10-year-old Edward asks his father once again about the large gun hanging above their fireplace. The Matchlock Gun Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to Edward is disappointed that his father won’t use it. Gertrude does her best to protect her family while trying not to frighten the children. Set during the French and Indian War, which pitted the French and the Native Americans against the British government and settlers, the story provides a glimpse of American history from the perspective of a Dutch-American family living in the wilderness of newly settled New York State. Edmonds builds his story on the contrast between the warmth and love... Walter D. Edmonds is a writer of historical fiction, both novels and short stories. Teunis Van Alstyne is a Dutch militia captain in the French and Indian War. Slavery: Grandmother Van Alstyne owns slaves, which Gertrude tells the children actually belong to their father. This book has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine. Ten-year-old Edward Van Alstyne (throughout the book, he is called "Ateoord", which is his name in Dutch) and his mother Gertrude are determined to protect their home and family with an ancient (and much too heavy) Spanish matchlock gun that Edward's great-grandfather had brought from Bergen Op Zoomin the Netherlands while his father Teunis is away from home with the local militia fighting the enemy (using, t… It is 1756 in Guilderland, New York. It is old and heavy, not at all practical for battle. When Gertrude sees smoke, indicating raiders are getting closer, she loads the matchlock gun. Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books. When Teunis leaves for battle, his wife, Gertrude, prepares herself to protect Edward and his little sister, Trudy, from a possible Indian attack. Gertrude is injured with a tomahawk. The work represents an adventure story, centering on the themes of self-preservation and protection. They hit her in the shoulder with a tomahawk and set fire to the family’s home. Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The children say bedtime prayers on their knees. The weapon is a Spanish matchlock gun, purchased in Bergen Op Zoom in the Netherlands by Edward’s great-grandfather. Based on an actual historical incident, The Matchlock Gun is a thrilling adventure story about self-preservation and the protection of loved ones. At her signal, Edward fires the matchlock gun through the window and kills three of the attackers. Gertrude is unconscious, and the kids pull her away from the burning house. You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected]. Although it isn’t unusual for them to do this, the children watch them with interest. Teunis kisses Gertrude before leaving for battle. She goes about her chores outside so as not to arouse the attackers’ suspicion. Everything you need to understand or teach As he prepares to leave for battle, 10-year-old Edward asks his father once again about the large gun hanging above their fireplace.