The Moustache (commonlit.org)

(Par. 1-11) Which of the following describes people's reaction to Mike's moustache?

• People believe it makes him look older.

• People think he should grow it out more often.

• His grandmother has a hard time recognizing him.

• His mother thinks that it makes him less attractive.

(Par. 12) How has Mike's grandmother changed?

• She used to call her grandson, but now she doesn't anymore.

• She used to be friendly, but now she is mean.

• She used to have a great memory, but now she forgets things.

• She used to love the Mets, but now she doesn't care about them.

(Par. 19-20) When his grandmother talks about the birds, Mike realizes that...

• she likes to play tricks on people.

• she loves nature and animals.

• she wants to share a life with him.

• she sees things that aren't real.

(Par. 21-24) Which of the following describes why Mike feels uncomfortable?

• His grandmother doesn't recognize him.

• His grandmother is strangely excited to see him.

• His grandmother is completely focused on him.

• His grandmother is upset to be in the nursing home.

(Par. 35-37) The story about the piano makes Mike realize that his grandmother...

• believes she's living in the past.

• doesn't know where she is.

• thinks Mike is a stranger.

• thinks that Mike is actually his grandfather.

(Par. 44) How does Mike react to his grandmother confusing him with his grandfather?

• He is uncomfortable and wants to correct her.

• He is sad and tries to cheer her up.

• He is angry and decides to leave.

• He is amused and plays along.

(Par. 45) What does Mike's grandmother want forgiveness for?

• waking up her baby in the middle of the night.

• suspecting her husband of cheating on her.

• not recognizing her grandson when he visits her.

• fighting with her husband over his spending habits.

(Par. 46-52) Mike says, "I forgive you, Meg," because...

• he is no longer angry at his grandmother.

• he wants his grandmother to be at peace.

• he knows his mother will be angry if he doesn't.

• he is playing along with his grandmother's game.

(Par. 58-59) Why is Mike concerned about his parents' relationship?

• His father isn't present anymore and his mother is left to do all of the housework.

• They don't seem to be getting along.

• His visit with his grandmother made him realize that there can be hidden problems in a relationship.

• His father betrayed his mother years ago and his mother hasn't forgiven him.

As described in "The Moustache," it can be difficult to understand other people because...

• they could be angry about their past.

• they could be experiencing memory loss, due to aging or an illness.

• they could be looking for forgiveness.