Chapter 18: Castle in the Air Response Questions

Which statement best describes the Castle in the Air?

• It is gloomy in the clouds and darkness

• 1. It is snowy and cold

• 1. It is warmed by the sun 

The Castle in the Air is, literally, a castle built high in the air, floating on clouds. But as you might expect from Norton Juster, the Castle in the Air has figurative significance as well. How might Norton Juster be playing with the figurative meaning, as well as the literal meaning, of this setting? Select all that apply.

• 1. It is a beautiful place, almost like a dream, that is nearly impossible to reach

• 1. It is a castle that is home to two beautiful princesses who make all dreams come true

• 1. It is a place where ideas like reason and wisdom can be found but are just out of reach of most people

Which of the following pieces of evidence shows an internal challenge Milo faces while interacting with Rhyme and Reason? Select all that apply.

• 1. “We’ve come to rescue you both” Milo explained very seriously (p. 232) 

• “It has been a long trip,” said Milo, climbing onto the couch where the princesses sat. (p. 233)

• 1. “...but we would have been here much sooner if I hadn’t made so many mistakes. I’m afraid it’s all my fault.” (p. 233) 

• 1. “But there’s so much to learn” he said, with a thoughtful frown. (p. 233) 

• 1. “Many of the things I’m supposed to know seem so useless that I can’t see the purpose in learning them at all.” (p. 233) 

Based on the internal challenges you identified in the previous question, which words best describe Milo’s feelings while he’s interacting with the princesses in the Castle in the Air? Select all that apply. 

• Relieved and happy

• 1. Confused and overwhelmed

• 1. Frustrated and lost

• 1. Content and successful

• 1. Scared and sad 

What happens to the Castle in the Air near the end of the chapter?

• 1. It is attacked by the demons from the Mountains of Ignorance and collapses 

• 1. It begins to drift away as the demons from the Mountains of Ignorance chop off the staircase that leads to it

• 1. It vanishes like a dream and no longer exists 

• 1. It stands strong and continues to be the home of Rhyme and Reason

Why do Rhyme and Reason say to let the castle “drift away” and say “good riddance” to the castle on page 236? Select all that apply.

• 1. To show they did not like living there because it was dark and dreary, like the rest of Ignorance

• 1. To show they did not like living there because it was an unrealistic fantasy

• 1. To show they did not like living there because it was too close to the demons from the Mountains of Ignorance

• 1. To show they did not like living there because it limited their freedoms