Act II: The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

Which character seems to try the hardest to keep the situation on Maple Street from getting out of control?

• Don Martin

• Charlie's wife

• Mrs. Goodman

• Steve Brand

Who dies in Act II?

• Don Martin

• Pete Van Horn

• the space monster

• nobody

The events on Maple Street are at last explained by

• the narrator.

• two space aliens.

• the ghost of Pete Van Horn.

• Charlie.

Foreshadowing is a method often used by writers to build suspense. With foreshadowing, the writer gives the reader hints of what is going to happen. Identify what is being foreshadowed by each event.
When Les Goodman threatens trouble if anyone steps onto his porch,

• it hints that all is well on Maple Street. 

• it hints that the neighbors are going to have a party to celebrate.

• it hints that tension is building between the neighbors and will soon erupt into violence.

The theme of the play might best be expressed as

• when faced with strange and unexplainable events, the people in an average small town bring about their own destruction

• there are no real monsters

• alien creatures may well live among us

• we humans are our own worst enemies

What effect does the following stage direction have on the reader?
"A flash of light plays on the faces of both boys and then moves down the street and disappears."

• creates a sense of mystery

• shows the character is trying to stay calm, but is feeling more upset than shown

• emphasizes the fact that the crowd is so overcome with the fear of the unknown

• makes people focus on outer space

What effect does the following stage direction have on the reader?
"The dark figure continues to walk toward them as the people stand there, fearful, mothers clutching children, men standing in front of their wives."

• shows the character is trying to stay calm, but is feeling more upset than shown

• emphasizes the fact that everyone in the crowd is so overcome with fear of the unknown

• makes the reader focus on outer space

• makes the reader laugh

When Don Martin appears with a shotgun, it hints that

• someone will be killed or wounded.

• aliens will not invade.

• life is peaceful on Maple Street.

What lesson can be learned from this story?

• Let happiness be your guide.

• Life is easy on Maple Street.

• People should avoid letting fear guide their actions.

What is the mood in the neighborhood at the beginning of Act II?

• relaxed and peaceful

• fearful and tense

• sad and mournful

• anticipating something exciting