Charles by Shirley Jackson

Which line from the story reveals the mother’s internal conflict?

• Monday night was the first Parent-Teachers meeting, and only the fact that the baby had a cold kept me from going.

• At the meeting I sat restlessly, scanning each comfortable matronly face, trying to determine which one hid the secret of Charles.

• I watched him go off, seeing clearly that an era of my life was ended, my sweet voiced nursery school tot replaced by a long-trousered, swaggering character.

• You must have your hands full in that kindergarten, with Charles.

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How does the first-person point of view affect this story?

• It helps the reader to understand the conflict between Laurie’s parents.

• It reveals why Charles misbehaves.

• It allows the ending to include a surprising twist.

• It explains how Laurie feels about kindergarten.

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How can the reader tell that Charles has made an impact in Laurie’s family?

• Laurie tells his family about Charles’s misbehavior.

• They refer to each other as “Charles” when they behave badly.

• The mother is unable to attend the first PTA meeting at school.

• Laurie starts wearing shirts and a belt when he starts kindergarten.

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What conclusion can the reader draw about the mother?

• She is overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood.

• She does not think that Laurie’s father is a good parent

• She is concerned about how Laurie’s teacher treats children

• She does not want to believe that Laurie can be naughty.

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How does Shirley Jackson use irony in "Charles"?

• By showing that Laurie is actually the teacher's favorite student.

• By revealing that Laurie's parents are actually aware of his deceit.

• By having Laurie's parents worry about Charles's influence, not realizing Laurie is Charles.

• By making Charles the most well-behaved child in the class.

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What theme is most clearly represented by the story of "Charles"?

• The challenges of parenting.

• The innocence of childhood.

• The impact of school on children.

• The difference between appearance and reality.

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How do Laurie's parents feel about Charles?

• They don't have strong feelings about him

• They feel they have to complain about him to the headmaster

• They worry about his influence on Laurie

• They think Charles will be a good role-model for Laurie

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What does the story "Charles" suggest about the nature of storytelling and perception?

• That storytelling is a harmless child's play without real-world consequences.

• That people's perceptions can easily be manipulated through storytelling.

• That all stories told by children are based on their real experiences.

• That storytelling has no place in the education system.

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The home is important to the story because it is where—

• Laurie’s misbehavior goes unnoticed

• the mother realizes Laurie is Charles

• Laurie lives with his family

• the mother decides to meet Charles’s mother

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If this story have been told in first-person point of view from Laurie’s perspective, what would be the main difference?

• Laurie would not have stayed after school.

• Charles would not be a character in the story.

•  Laurie would not have lied to his parents.

• The mother would not be surprised when she met with the teacher.

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