"The Landlady" by Roald Dahl

What is the overall mood of the story by the end?

• Warm and comforting

• Mysterious and unsettling

• Lighthearted and humorous

• Joyful and nostalgic

Which line from the opening best uses figurative language to set the mood?

• “Billy Weaver had travelled down from London on the slow afternoon train.”

• “The air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.”

• “There were no shops on this wide street.”

• “He was feeling fine.”

How does Dahl use pacing when the landlady opens the door to create tension?

• He describes the hallway in great detail to slow the action.

• He uses quick and unexpected action to surprise the reader.

• He allows the character time to think about his decision.

• He lists several details about the weather to stall the moment.

Which of the following is an example of foreshadowing?

• The landlady’s offer of tea with milk and sugar.

• Billy’s decision to walk briskly to find lodgings.

• The presence of the dachshund and parrot that appear alive but are later revealed to be stuffed.

• The fire burning warmly in the hearth.

Which theme is most strongly suggested by the end of the story?

• Innocence is always rewarded.

• First impressions are usually correct.

• The world is a safe and trustworthy place.

• Appearances can be deceiving.

How is the landlady first described to make her seem harmless?

• She has wild hair and a menacing voice.

• She offers him a job at her guesthouse.

• She smiles warmly and reminds Billy of a school friend’s mother.

• She talks loudly and interrupts Billy often.

What is the effect of the repeated phrase “BED AND BREAKFAST” when Billy sees the sign?

• It shows that Billy is hungry.

• It makes the house seem inviting and safe.

• It builds suspense by suggesting something hypnotic or unnatural.

• It explains the rules of the guesthouse.

What makes Billy stop and notice the bed and breakfast in the first place?

• He hears music coming from the house.

• The warm firelight and smell of food draw him in.

• A printed notice and a vase of yellow chrysanthemums in the window catch his eye.

• A dog barks at him from inside.

What type of figurative language is used in the phrase “like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks”?

• Hyperbole

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

What internal conflict does Billy face as he considers entering the house?

• He is afraid of getting lost in the city.

• He debates between the bed and breakfast and the familiarity of a pub.

• He is too cold and tired to walk any further.

• He knows someone who stayed there before and disappeared.