Charles by Shirley Jackson

Which statement below could also be a main theme in the short story, "Charles?"

• Children sometimes act out when they're attempting to figure out who they are.

• Naughty children are more likely to become misbehaving adults when they grown up.

• Children are strongly influenced by the bad behavior of their peers.

How does Charles' behavior vary throughout the story?

• Laurie describes Charles' behavior as improving but having occasional setbacks.

• Laurie describes Charles' behavior as steadily improving throughout the story.

• Laurie emphasizes how Charles is always misbehaving even if he's not caught.

• Laurie shows how Charles wants to change at the end of the story, but he doesn't know how.

What type of conflict is the main conflict in the short story, "Charles?"

• man vs. man

• man vs. self

• man vs. nature

• man vs. society

When Laurie begins kindergarten and on the first day of school reports the outrageous behavior of Charles, this is what part of this short story's plot?

• exposition/introduction

• rising action

• falling action

Which of the character traits below BEST describe Laurie?

• talkative and easygoing

• clever and mischievous

• generous and stubborn

Read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows. The next day Laurie remarked at lunch, as soon as he sat down, "Well, Charles was bad again today." He grinned enormously and said, "Today Charles hit the teacher." How did Laurie feel about "Charles" hitting the teacher?

• confused

• frustrated

• proud

• indifferent

How does the narrator's discussion of Laurie contribute to the plot of the story?

• The narrator describes how easily influenced Laurie is, suggesting that he's not confident in his identity yet.

• The narrator shows how naturally curious Laurie is, bringing attention to why he might experiment with good and bad behaviors.

• The narrator describes how Laurie often misbehaves at home, highlighting the similarities between him and Charles.

When the teacher tells Laurie's mother that there's no Charles in kindergarten, this is what part of this short story's plot?

• climax

• denouement/resolution

Which of the following is the best summary of the story "Charles"?

• woman is upset with her son's behavior.

• Parents support teachers by disciplining children.

• A young boy tells his mother about a rowdy kindergartner in his class.

What is the shocking discovery that Laurie's mother makes when she meets Laurie's teacher?

• Charle's behavior is even worse than Laurie had described.

• Laurie's behavior has been almost as bad as Charle's.

• Laurie and Charles are the same person.