Exploring Charles by Shirley Jackson

The story follows Laurie, a kindergartener, who comes home with tales of a mischievous classmate named Charles. Laurie's parents are concerned about Charles' influence, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Charles is a fictional character created by Laurie to describe his own misbehavior at school. The narrative explores themes of childhood behavior, parental perception, and the impact of storytelling.

How does Laurie’s behavior change after starting kindergarten?

• He becomes more polite.

• He starts wearing corduroy overalls.

• He becomes more insolent and raucous.

• He stops talking to his parents.

What does Laurie say Charles did to the teacher?

• He hugged her.

• He hit her.

• He ignored her.

• He helped her.

Why did Charles hit the teacher according to Laurie?

• Because she took his toy.

• Because she made him color with red crayons.

• Because she yelled at him.

• Because she ignored him.

What does the term 'doing a Charles' mean in Laurie's family?

• Being very helpful.

• Behaving badly.

• Being very quiet.

• Doing homework.

How do Laurie's parents react to the news of Charles' good behavior?

• They are angry.

• They are indifferent.

• They are skeptical.

• They are relieved.

What does Laurie whisper to his father that Charles told a girl to say?

• A kind word.

• A bad word.

• A joke.

• A secret.

What does Laurie's father suggest about meeting Charles' mother?

• That she might not exist.

• That she should be invited for tea.

• That she is very strict.

• That she is very kind.

What is the big reveal at the PTA meeting?

• Charles has moved to another school.

• Charles is Laurie's best friend.

• Charles does not exist.

• Charles is the teacher's son.

How does Laurie's mother feel about meeting Charles' mother?

• Angry.

• Indifferent.

• Excited.

• Anxious.

What does the teacher reveal about Charles at the end?

• Charles is the best student.

• There is no Charles in the class.

• Charles is very helpful.

• Charles has been expelled.