Charles by Shirley Jackson

The day Laurie started kindergarten he stopped wearing corduroy overalls with bibs and started wearing

• blue jeans with a belt

• socks and sneakers

• denim shorts and polo shirts

• khaki pants and a tie

What does Laurie do everyday when he gets home from kindergarten?

• watch television

• eat lunch

• take a nap

• wash up

Laurie’s mother is concerned that Charles is a bad influence on Laurie. What is Laurie’s father’s response?

• “Bound to be people like Charles in the world. Might as well meet them now as later.

• “You worry too much.”

• “Well, what do you want me to do about it?”

• ”Let’s see if we can have a talk with that teacher.”

According to Laurie, what happened when Charles had to stay after school?

• The principal called his mother.

• He had to sit on his knees in the corner.

• All the children stayed to watch him.

• No one wanted to play with Charles.

Why did Laurie’s mother miss the first Parent-Teachers meeting?

• Laurie told her not to go.

• Laurie’s dad had to work late.

• She was sick.

• The baby had a cold.

Who was the friend who came to visit the teacher at school?

• Charles’s mother

• the principal

• a lady who baked cupcakes

• a man who made them do exercises

When Charles was suddenly good at school, Laurie reported that…

• Charles was the teacher’s helper.

• Charles’s father had come to school

• Charles had a cold.

• Charles didn’t have any friends.

Laurie’s mother went to the P.T.A. meeting because she hoped to meet…

• Laurie’s teacher.

• Charles.

• Charles’s mother.

• the principal.

Who is the narrator in “Charles,” and from what point of view is the story told

• Laurie; first person

• Laurie;third person limited

• Laurie’s mother; first person

• Laurie’s mother;third person omniscient

Which of the following statements about the plot in the story is FALSE?

• The climax occurs at the end of the story.

• The story has no resolution.

• During the falling action, the teacher tells Laurie’s mother that there’s no Charles in kindergarten.

• Most of the story is part of the rising action.