The Sign of the Cat

Which is a theme of the story?

• Not everyone can help others with food and lodging.

• It’s important to be kind and share what you can with others.

• Wealthy people should help those who are in need.

• Don’t judge a person based solely on their appearance.

Which detail from the text best shows the theme?

• “Everyone called them “askers” or “hoboes,” but not Grandma. She’d remind me, ‘If your dad hadn’t gotten the job at Uncle Will’s shop in Florida, he could be riding the rails, too.’”(Paragraph 3)

• “We bartered eggs and milk for flour and sugar. When I outgrew my shirts, Grandma sewed me new ones using feed sacks.” (Paragraph 8)

• “Seeing my surprise, he winked. ‘I may not look like it, but I used to be a college professor.’” (Paragraph 17)

• “I grabbed the detergent and did what I’d already known I had to do. Soon the sign of the cat again announced a kind lady’s welcome. And this time, mine, too.” (Paragraph 33)

What does this line from paragraph 8 reveal about the grandmother: "Worry weighed down on her like a wet woolen shawl"?

• The grandmother is very stressed.

• The grandmother is crying.

• The grandmother’s worry is temporary.

• The grandmother is able to ignore her worries.

How does paragraph 23 contribute to the story?

• It stresses how much food the guests eat when they come.

• It reveals that Chet and his grandmother have more than enough food to share.

• It shows that Chet feels bad for washing away the sign of the cat.

• It shows that Chet doesn’t truly care about others going hungry.

Why is it important to the story that Chet redraws the sign of the cat in front of their house?

• It shows he does not like having visitors.

• It shows he is still angry at his grandmother for being so welcoming.

• It shows he understands the importance of helping those in need.

• It shows he was proud to have learned to draw from the visitor.

Why do people come to Chet's house?

• To steal from him and his grandmother

• They hope to make money

• They need help while they look for jobs

• They need to clean themselves up