Textual Analysis and Theme Determination of The Landlady

What motivates Billy to choose the boarding house over the Bell and Dragon?

• The cost is cheaper.

• He is tired and cold.

• He is attracted by the landlady’s hospitality.

• He feels mysteriously compelled to stay.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

What inference can be made about the landlady’s behavior when she immediately opens the door?

• A. She was expecting Billy to arrive.

• B. She lives alone and is bored.

• C. She just happened to be near the door.

• D. She is very efficient and timely.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

Why does Billy decide to stay at the landlady’s bed and breakfast instead of the pub?

• He prefers a quieter environment.

• He feels a mysterious pull toward the boarding house.

• The landlady convinces him.

• The Bell and Dragon was too far away.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the central theme of "The Landlady"?

• The dangers of trusting strangers.

• The importance of hospitality.

• Youth and ambition.

• The need for companionship.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

How does Roald Dahl build suspense throughout the story?

• By keeping the landlady’s intentions unclear until the end.

• By revealing Billy’s thoughts in great detail.

• By using frequent action scenes.

• By focusing on the beautiful setting of Bath.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does Billy’s decision to stay at the landlady’s house reveal about his character?

• He is cautious and practical.

• He is naïve and trusting.

• He is suspicious and inquisitive.

• He is adventurous and carefree.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does the landlady’s dialogue about her past guests affect Billy’s decision to stay?

• It reassures him that the place is reputable.

• It makes him question her sanity.

• It piques his curiosity about the other guests.

• It scares him, but he stays anyway.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the landlady’s ability to recall specific details about her past guests reveal about her?

• A. She is forgetful.

• B. She is very hospitable.

• C. She is obsessive and controlling.

• D. She cares deeply about her guests.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the phrase “like a jack-in-the-box” suggest about the landlady’s sudden appearance at the door?

• A. She was prepared for Billy’s arrival.

• B. She was startled by the doorbell.

• C. She moves quickly and unexpectedly.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In the context of the story, what is the meaning of the word “compelling” as used to describe the sign "BED AND BREAKFAST"?

• Fascinating

• Overwhelming

• Persuasive

• Inviting

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4