Banner in the Sky

By: James Ramsey Ullman

This packet belongs to:

Abelhard / 9.1

Banner in the Sky

Chapt. 1-5
pp. 11-72

Vocabulary
Match the definition on the right with the terms on the left hand side.
C. frontier

A. greeting

E. alley

B. any learner or beginner

F. detour

C. a new or unexplored area

B. apprentice

D. to be able to move quickly and easily

D. agile

E. a narrow passageway

A. salutation

F. a deviation from a direct route

Response Journal
This story is about a young boys goal to climb the mountain that killed
his father. Explain a goal that you want to reach. How will you achieve
it? What will you gain by achieving it?
The goal that I want to reach is to become a better person everyday
and to be closer to God. It requires motivation and perseverance to
achieve my goal. I could achieve it by studying the Bible, praying and
bonding my relationship with God, practicing what the Bible says and
show Gods characters to people that I meet. This shows that I did not
only study Gods Words, but also I do what He commands. There are
many benefits that I gain by achieving it. First, my character could be
more and more like God and I would show kindness to everyone I
meet. That can strengthen my relationship with God and make me a
better believer. Second, I can strengthen my faith and not be shaken
by the world. I can stand tribulation and can maintain my faith until His
second coming. Third, I can live how God wants me to live, which is a
live full of joy, love, and everlasting relationship with Him.
My other goal is to be a great musician and pianist. It requires great
practice everyday and perseverance to be a great musician as if I did
not practice everyday, I might lose my fluency and ability to play

music. I also, if able, wanted to compose/arrange music. By that I

should also practice music, learn deeper about elements and
essential abilities to compose music, and to be able to play music. I
want to achieve that because I like music and I want to make my
hobby as a job and also as a way to praise God. What can I gain by
that is that I can further dig my ability in playing music and I can praise
God by using my abilities. I can also help people by giving them
charities and giving them entertainment when they need it. I can
compose music for God and Church purposes and for entertainment
as well. Not only I can help people in varying ways by playing music, I
can also help myself when Im feeling sad by playing myself music.
Overall, there are many things that I can get when I achieve my goal.
Comprehension
Answer the following questions in complete sentences, restating when
possible.
1. How do Rudis feelings for his late father affect his desire to
climb the Citadel?
Rudis feelings for his father affects his desire to climb the Citadel by
making him more motivated in climbing the mountain. Given the fact
that Josef died in an attempt to climb the Citadel, Rudi became
determined to show that he is able to do and continue what his
father did not successfully accomplish. He wanted to prove to
everyone that he is capable of reaching extraordinary goals.
However, his mother and uncle have not the same idea as him. They
have planned Rudis future to be involved in hotel business and the
reason for that is because Frau, his mother, did not want the same
feeling to come when she lost Josef. This contradicts to Rudis
motivation in climbing the Citadel, but Rudi insisted nevertheless
and failed to show excellence.

2. What do Captain Winters reactions to Rudis fall and his own

fall shows about him as a person?
Captain Winters reactions to both his and Rudis fall shows him as a
caring, motivational, and kind person. He knows that humans are
never perfect and human error is inevitable, therefore when Rudi puts
the team in danger in the expedition to climb Wunderhorn, Captain
Winter did not get mad at Rudi as he too made the same mistake
days before. He knows that Rudi and he has still a lot to learn and
that mistakes are needed in the learning process so that they can
learn from their mistakes.
3. Do you think Rudis mother and uncle are right to try and keep
him away from the mountains? Explain your answer.
I think that Rudis mother and uncle made the right decision in
keeping him away from the mountains. Although Rudi was passionate
about the Citadel, he too needs to understand what better future lies
ahead of him if he took the safe route in pursuing hotel business. In
the book it stated that in the future he could even become a
proprietor, a job that the Matt family can be proud of. Although Rudis
motivation in doing the impossible is worth the applause, his mother
realizes the danger that can come upon him when he climbs the
Citadel. His mother too does not want another family member to die
climbing the same mountain, and she and Rudis uncle Franz wanted
a better future for Rudi to live.
4. Compare Rudis state of mind going up the Wunderhorn with
his feelings coming down. What happens to make him feel
differently?
What makes his feelings different is that he feels that his chance in
proving that he could climb as well as Franz and Captain Winter is
over with failure. At first when climbing up the Wunderhorn, Rudi was
certain that he could prove to his uncle that he too could be a
professional guide and has what it takes to climb the Alpine Mounts.
It is his chance to prove that he is worthy in bearing the job. However,
Rudis further attempts in finding a new route home to prove that he
could contribute to the days climb results in an unwanted danger.
This means that Rudi did not show responsibility in becoming a guide

because he let others risk their lives to save him; a thing not to be
done by guides. He felt differently when going down the Wunderhorn
because he knew that he couldnt prove his abilities in becoming a
guide and that his dream was all over because of that mistake that he
did.
5. This story is about a young boy climbing the mountain. Write
about the possible significance of the red shirt dangling from
the stick. Why might Rudi choose such an object to achieve his
purpose?
Rudi choose such an object to achieve his purpose because the
color red symbolizes bravery, courage, and also blood. He knows
that by putting a red banner in the sky he is representing his fathers
death in the Citadel. By choosing a red colored shirt he shows that
he is brave and motivated in reaching his goals to do the impossible
and prove as well as continue his fathers passion. The stick
represents how Rudi can achieve his goal with his own way, as
represented by the stick differentiating from the ice-ax. Rudi wants to
prove that he is worth to be called a mountain guide/climber by
climbing the Citadel, and he wants to represent his spirit and his love
for his father by the red shirt and stick.
3

Schematic Map
Answers:
Main Character:
o Rudi Matt.
Job and Goals:
o He is a dishwasher in the Beau Site Hotel that works
alongside with the cook Old Teo Zurbriggen (former
mountain climber).
o His goal is to climb the Citadel and continue the
effort that his father established. He wanted to
succeed and prove everyone that he can do the
impossible. He also wanted to be a mountain guide,
a very respected job in Kurtal.
Appearance:
o He is not a typical mountain boy, as one would
expect. He is the opposite, with a slim figure, light
muscles and bones, and a delicate pink-and-white
complexion of his face. Unlike a mountain boy, there
were no signs of his face being weathered. He is
called Angel-face by his friends.
People in his life:
o Josef Matt, his inspiration, motivation, and father.
o Frau Matt, his caring mother.
o Franz Lerner, his uncle. Both him and Frau did not
want Rudi to climb the Citadel, as they were
traumatic after the death of Josef.
o Teo Zurbriggen, his workmate in the Beau Site
Hotel. Old Teo supports Rudis dream in one day
being able to climb the Citadel as he too did not
succeed in climbing it (the only one surviving from
the incident, a member of the climbing group
consisting of Josef Matt, Edward Stephenson, and
himself).
o Captain Winter, the one that Rudi saved from a
crevasse. He bought Rudi a new knapsack, ice ax,
and a new pair of mountain boots. He too was
Rudis motivation and inspiration.

 Character Traits:
o Rudi was very emotionally driven by his goal to
reach the Citadels summit. By that he is sometimes
irresponsible for his work as a dishwasher in the
Beau Site Hotel, and was described as often going
out to the mountains without permission and leaving
his dishes behind and occasionally breaking them.
Rudi is a caring and strong willed person as he
himself saved Captain Winter from inside a crevasse
that could potentially danger the two. By his will and
his motivation, he is able to pull Captain Winter out
of the danger. By his will to achieve his goal he too
hesitated to work in the hotel business, as he wants
to be a mountain climber and the first person that
can climb the Citadel. Rudi is an obedient child as
well, as his mother describes him as a good boy.
However he is also not obedient when it comes to
mountain climbing, as he frequently disobeys his
mother that tells him to not climb the Citadel again.
He is also very optimistic as shown when he is part
of the climbing team to reach the shoulder of the
Wunderhorn in order to get a clear view of the
Citadel. He wants to be recognized by the team and
by being driven by his will, he wants to prove that he
has what it takes to be one. He wants to contribute
to the team by giving them a faster alternate route to
the bottom, which turned out to be a disaster as that
route was not safe. After the event, Rudi is shown to
be desperate as his dream to become a mountain
climber and the first to reach the summit of the
Citadel was over. He is not allowed to continue his
career as a mountain climber because he risks
others lives to save him; a great sin to be
committed by any guide. After this event, his
obedience and will is shown once more. He did not
fight or argue with his uncle when Franz indirectly
said it was over for him to climb mountains. He is
also very desperate and sad in discontinuing his

dream as a climber; a good sign that he has a

strong will to climb the mountain. If he hadnt a
strong will, then perhaps he wouldnt be as sad as
he is at the moment. His characters that are shown
from chapters 1-5 are: strong willed, irresponsible,
caring, motivated, optimistic, obedient, not obedient,
and initiative.
Job and Goals

Appearance

Main Character
RUDI

People in his life

Character Traits

Banner in the Sky

Chapt. 6-10
pp. 73-138

Vocabulary
Match the definition on the right with the terms on the left hand side.
B. crevasse

A. a successive step in a natural descent

D. shrine

B. a deep crack or fissure

E. staff

C. the highest part, top

F. resort

D. a thing or sport made sacred

A. generation

E. a stick or piece of wood that is carried

C. summit

F. a place used for recreational purposes

Response Journal
Think of a conflict that you have had within yourself. Write about it,
describing what it was and whether or not you resolved it.
I dealt with procrastination and laziness. It is a bad habit that I often
cant or wont give the effort to conquer. Procrastination often (almost all
the time) occurs when I am given a homework that is due in a long
period of time. I often found many attractive things that made me
procrastinate instead of doing my work, such as Television, games,
Internet, and sleeping. This, coped with laziness, made me unable to
finish my homework and projects effectively. Laziness, on the other
hand, had more to deal with me delaying my work time. When I arrived
early at home in Wednesday, I often spend my early times watching,
playing games, and sleeping to delay my work. My homework then
became more and more many the more I wait and delay, and at the
end, I had to stay overnight the day or two before the due date finishing
my work. In times I have defeated my procrastination and finished my
work ahead of time, but I havent conquered it completely. When I found
things that distract me from my work, I often gave up the spirit of doing
my homework and went doing things that I shouldnt do. Im struggling
to resolve my weakness, and Im continuing to improve my time
management and working efficiency.

Comprehension
Answer the following questions in complete sentences, restating when
possible.
1. Do you think Rudi was right to run away from home to find
Captain Winter? What other choices could he have made?
I think that Rudis decision wasnt right when he ran away from
home to find Captain Winter in the old hut. It is defying against
the wants of his mother and uncle. Also, by going alone to the
mountains (also by stealing his confiscated mountain
equipment), Rudi rebelled to his parents. Rudi couldve made
other choices such as asking Old Teo for help to climb the
Citadel, convincing and calmly asking Uncle Franz to allow him,
and also asking the permission to his mother. If not allowed,
Rudi shouldve buried his goal a little longer, and keep trying to
ask for permission. Old Teo, however, is the best option
because he supports Rudi and he will do his best to help Rudi
in climbing the Citadel. Old Teo might prove useful in helping
Rudi in convincing Uncle Franz and his mother so that Rudi can
climb the mountains once more.
2. Why do you think Rudi has taken the path up the Citadel alone?
Rudi wanted to prove that he is able to set foot on the Citadel and
prove his uncle that his assumption was wrong. Also, since his lied
and theft caught up with him, and Emil and Captain Winter didnt
allow him to join them to Broli, Rudi has no other option other than
going back to the Citadel. It would be worse for him to get caught
guilty by Franz while the other climbers mock him than for him to
attempt to climb the Citadel alone. He was also desperate because
Captain Winter said that he has to go down to Kurtal, and so in his
sadness and dilemma he decided to go back to Citadel.
5

3. Compare the two guides, Teo and Franz. How do they differ in
their attitudes toward the Citadel and Rudis dream? Who
understands Rudi better?
Teo fully supports Rudi and his goal in reaching the Citadels
summit, whereas Franz will try anything to keep Rudi from the
mountains. Teo, either by his past experience in nearly reaching
the summit or by his trust in Rudis abilities, said that Rudi is a true
mountaineer and that he deserves the award. Franz, on the other
hand, was afraid and was affected by his sisters trauma when
Josef died in the Citadel; therefore not allowing Rudi to the
mountains for the sake of safety and for the sake of his sisters
happiness. Franz knew that it is enough for Frau to bear his
husbands death, and he knew that Rudi was not built for the
mountains. Teo wanted Rudi to be happy and to achieve the goal
of his life. He, unable to continue the journey to the Citadel himself
(although he nearly reached his destination), wanted Rudi to
continue and succeed his groups effort. Teo doesnt want Rudi to
live in a life of rules and regulations; he wanted Rudi to achieve the
goal of his own. I think that Teo understands Rudi better, simply
because he knew that the Citadel is not an unclimbable mountain.
From his past experience in nearly reaching the Citadel, he knew
that Rudi could do the same if there were no dangers of
avalanches or falling boulders while they are on their way. Teo also
understood Rudis feelings and his motivation in reaching his goal,
and so Teo with his full support inspires Rudi to climb the
mountain. He even thinks that Rudi should be awarded the true
mountaineer award for his courage, bravery, and sincerity of his
heart.

The two important settings of Banner in the Sky are the village of
Kurtal and the mountains that surround it, particularly the majestic
Citadel. Look for descriptions of each setting and see how the setting
affects Rudi. Complete the chart, using examples and details from your
reading.
Rudi in Kurtal:
o The roles he plays: Rudi is a regular, almost isolated boy in his
town. He is only a dishwasher in the Beau Site hotel and he is
often viewed as a young man without the capabilities of
climbing mountains (Angel-face, Climber of Mt. Dishpan, etc.).
He is often mocked and teased by the other villagers,
especially Klaus Wesselhoft. He is verbally and physically
bullied not only by Klaus, but also by his fellow friends. Rudi
also often a subject of Franzs anger.
o How people respond to him: People only view him as a regular
person, and sometimes as an unworthy climber. In chapter 9,
they even think that Rudi is crazy while they are in the Alpine
Tavern. The boys of his age, whose physical ability shows that
they can be guides in the future, often mocks and bullies Rudi
with either verbal or physical actions. His uncle Franz
responds to his frequent attempt in climbing mountains by
saying harsh words and being angry to him. There is only one
person that motivates and supports Rudi in his goal in climbing
the Citadel, and that is Old Teo. He knew and understood
Rudis feelings towards his goal and therefore he views Rudi
as the true mountain climber.
o How he feels about himself: Rudi feels uncared and isolated in
his village, and he felt that everyone, including his uncle, was
not supporting his goal in climbing the Citadel. Rudi felt
desperate and uncomfortable in Kurtal, wanting badly to climb
the Citadel. In chapter 7 and 10, Rudi viewed himself as a liar
(both to Franz and to Captain Winter) and a thief. He felt that
his heart belongs to the mountains, but the others wont allow
him to go there.
Rudi in the mountains:
o The roles he plays: Rudi is a true mountaineer here. He didnt
feel uncomfortable, and in the mountains he felt more of his

desire to climb the Citadel. However, his companies such as

Franz, Captain Winter, and Emil Saxo often didnt view him as
a worthy climber. They underestimate Rudi, but Rudi has what
it takes in terms of motivation to climb mountains. Rudi once
was a porter, but in his attempt to reach the Fortress of the
Citadel with Winter and Emil, he is a regular climber and a
member of the team.
o How people respond to him: There are mixed response from
people around him when he is in the mountains. Other
climbers like Emil tend to view Rudi as a problem and hassle
for the group in their climbing journey. Other people except for
Captain Winter often responded Rudis efforts and tries
negatively. However, in other occasions, Rudis climbing skills
were of no problem for other climbers, as Rudi climbed as well
as the other members of the group. Only Captain Winter
responds positively to Rudi, encouraging and welcomingly
invites Rudi to his attempts to climb the Citadel.
o How he feels about himself: Rudi, at first, felt that we could do
something for others and prove himself useful while in the
journey to the Wunderhorn. He felt free and pumped to show
his abilities in mountaineering, but that is before he made a
mistake that risk the lives of others in the Wunderhorn.
Afterwards, Rudi becomes obedient and he follows everything
that the leader of the group says. He hesitated to try attempts
on his own because he is afraid that he might trouble the
group once more. Rudi then followed everything that the
leader says, but deep in his heart he knew that he would reach
the Citadel someday. He also felt more comfortable in the
mountains. However, when his theft and lies caught up with
him, he felt sad and afraid to come back to Kurtal. At chapter
10, Rudi was unable to join Captain Winter and Emil to Broli,
and he was very afraid and sad to not be able to join them and
is forced to go down to Kurtal. He had no other option other
than to turn back to the Citadel because he didnt want to get
caught by his uncle. At the later moments of chapter 10, Rudi
showed anxiety and fear going down to Kurtal and this means
that the mountains are a hiding place for him.

Rudi in Kurtal

Rudi in the Mountains

The roles he plays

How people respond

to him

How he feels about

himself

Character and Conflict

Each character plays an important role in the plot and in the conflicts, or
struggles faced by the central character, Rudi. Conflicts can exist
between characters, between a character and nature, and within the
character himself.
Complete the chart, identifying different conflicts that arise so far in the
book.
Rudi with other Characters:
o With Klaus: Rudi fought with Klaus because he was teased
and mocked by him. He was punched on the nose and left
with a bloody nose by Klaus. This increases Rudis hatred
towards Klaus.
o With Franz and his mother: Rudis lie and theft was only
waiting to be revealed when Franz and Frau discovered that
he was going to the mountains.
o With Emil: Emil Saxo considered Rudi as a problem, and he
often view Rudi as a mere boy who didnt know the
essences of climbing.
o With Captain Winter: Rudi wasnt allowed to go with Captain
Winter to Broli, and instead he is left with no other choice
than to go down to Kurtal. This made Rudi afraid because
then his lie and theft would be revealed to his uncle and his
mother. This affects the story because later at the end of
chapter 10, Rudi decided to go back to the Citadel.
Rudi with the Environment:
o Avalanche: Rudi was unable to avoid the rolling avalanche
and so caught inside the wave. Fortunately, Rudi was not
hurt, and he quickly recovered to his group.
o Felsberg and the other surrounding mountains: Rudi went to
train with Teo in the Felsberg and other mountains. Here, he
learned the techniques and requirements of being a true
mountaineer, such as climbing with other people, belaying,
climbing with heavy loads, and others. This translates to
Rudis improvement in his climbing ability later when he,
Captain Winter, and Emil attempted to reach the Fortress of

the Citadel. His training made his climbing better and he is

able to go with the group.
Rudi with himself:
o His lie and theft: Rudi was frequently haunted by his actions
before he left to meet Captain Winter in the old hut. He stole
his confiscated mountain equipment from his uncle, and he
also lied to Captain Winter about his mother and Uncle
Franz allowing him to go to the mountains. This affected the
story because later in chapter 10, Rudi decided to not go
down to Kurtal and went back to the route towards the
Citadel. Rudi felt guilty both to Franz and Captain Winter
because he had sinned.
o Leaving work to climb the Citadel: Rudi frequently left his
dirty dishes in the Beau Site Hotel to climb the mountains.
He cant contain his desires and set aside his work to
achieve his desire. However, Old Teo was comfortable with
this, and he even encouraged Rudi to always go to the
mountains.
o Feeling sorry and desperate: Rudi was feeling sorry of his
actions after he risked the lives of others during the journey
to the Wunderhorn, Rudi then did not focus on his work in
washing dirty dishes, and he also had lost hope. His actions
and despair was shown when he sewed Josefs red flannel
shirt, and this was further shown when he ignored the first
two teases from Klaus before he cant contain himself
anymore. Rudi then compensated his mistake in the
Wunderhorn by training hard with Teo in the Felsberg.
With Other
Characters
Example:
with his mother

With the Environment

Example:
attempting to rescue
Winter from the
crevasse

Within Himself
Example:
leaving work to climb
the Citadel