The Landlady Themes

When does Billy start to notice something is terribly wrong?

• When the landlady offers him tea

• When the landlady compliments his appearance

• When the landlady says that the two previous guests were still staying at the inn

How do the following lines help develop the plot of the story? "Now and again, he caught a whiff of a peculiar smell that seemed to come directly from her person. It was not in the least unpleasant, and it reminded him - well, he wasn’t quite sure what it reminded him of. Pickled walnuts? New leather? Or was it the corridors of a hospital?"

• It helps develop the exposition of the story.

• It helps develop the rising action of the story and also provides foreshadowing.

• It helps develop the falling action of the story.

• It helps develop the protagonist's character traits.

Mark all clues the author provides to show that something bad is going to happen.

• the air was deadly cold

• the wind was like a blade against Billy's cheek

• The landlady has suspicious behavior.

• The landlady foreshadows that something illegal will happen.

Which statement best describes how the different between mood and tone create dramatic irony in "The Landlady"?

• The reader knows from the outset that the landlady is suspicious because the mood and tone are the same.

• The reader knows right away that Billy is going to die because the tone of the words describing the bed and breakfast are dark and deadly.

• The reader gradually become aware of something not being "right" with the landlady. At first, the tone is cozy and warm, but the readers' mood shifts the more they learn about the landlady.

• The tone and mood are warm and cozy from beginning to end, which is why the ending is so weird to the reader.

Which of the following details provides the best clue about the landlady's secret?

• The front of the building is quite worn out.

• The window downstairs is brightly lit.

• The landlady explains that she stuffs all her dead pets.

• The landlady serves tea and cookies to Billy before he goes up to his room.

What theme is highlighted by the landlady's peculiar behavior and the atmosphere in the boarding house?

• Hospitality and warmth

• Deception and danger

• Friendship and trust

• Adventure and excitement

How does the author use foreshadowing to hint at the landlady's true nature?

• By describing the cozy setting

• By mentioning the landlady's friendly smile

• By detailing the odd smell in the house

• By highlighting Billy's excitement

Which literary device is used when the landlady's kindness is contrasted with her sinister intentions?

• Metaphor

• Irony

• Simile

• Alliteration

What does the landlady's meticulous attention to detail in her home suggest about her character?

• She is caring and attentive

• She is obsessive and controlling

• She is disorganized and messy

• She is indifferent and lazy

In 'The Landlady,' what does the repeated mention of the guestbook symbolize?

• The landlady's hospitality

• The transient nature of life

• The permanence of the guests

• The landlady's forgetfulness