The Chaser Questions

Which sentence from The Chaser best foreshadows Alan’s future regret?

• I like to oblige," said the old man. "Then customers come back, later in life, when they are better off, and want more expensive things.

• I can’t tell you how grateful I am," said Alan, watching him fill it.

• She will actually be jealous?" cried Alan in a rapture. "Of me?"

• I do, indeed," said Alan.

Alan’s excitement over the love potion is ironic because (a)  

• He believes Diana already loves him
• The potion will make Diana love him
• The potion does not work, and he is
• The old man secretly gives Alan poi

How does the author use foreshadowing to hint at Alan’s potential fate?

• The old man tells Alan that he may come back for a more expensive mixture.

• The old man says the love potion is permanent and effective.

• Alan eagerly buys the potion without questioning its effects.

• Diana does not love Alan at the beginning of the story.

What is ironic about the old man’s attitude toward selling the love potion?

• He seems more interested in selling the poison than the love potion.

• He warns Alan that the potion might not work.

• He gives Alan the potion for free but charges for the poison.

• He acts like he is helping Alan, but he knows Alan may later regret his purchase.

What does the price difference between the two potions suggest?

• The love potion is cheap because it is not very effective.

• The poison is expensive because it is difficult to make.

• Love is easy to obtain, but escaping from it is costly.

• The old man wants Alan to feel good about his purchase.

What can the reader infer about the old man’s business?

• He enjoys helping young lovers find happiness.

• He is only interested in making money from desperate customers.

• He wants to teach Alan a lesson about love.

• He is a scientist testing out new chemicals.

How does the old man’s tone contribute to the story’s meaning?

• His cheerful and enthusiastic tone makes the story more hopeful.

• His mysterious and indifferent tone suggests he knows more than he reveals.

• His sad and regretful tone makes the reader sympathize with him.

• His angry and aggressive tone shows he dislikes Alan.

Why is the title The Chaser significant?

Sentence Stem: The title, The Chaser, is significant because...

(significant means important or having a hidden meaning)

In drinking culture, a "chaser" is something taken after a strong drink. The title suggests that Alan may later need a second potion—the poison—to escape the effects of the first. What does this imply?

• A. Alan will enjoy the potion without any consequences.

• B. Alan will need another potion to counteract the first.

• C. Alan will refuse to take the potion.

• D. Alan will share the potion with others.

How does Alan’s attitude toward the potion reveal dramatic irony?

• The reader knows the potion is a scam, but Alan believes it will work.

• Alan believes the potion will make him happy, but the reader sees hints that it will trap him.

• Alan is excited about buying the potion, but the old man refuses to sell it.

• The reader knows that Diana already loves Alan, but he doesn’t realize it.