Exploring the Themes of 'Charles' by Shirley Jackson

Laurie's behavior changes after starting kindergarten, and he frequently talks about a mischievous boy named Charles. Charles becomes a significant topic in Laurie's family, influencing their discussions and perceptions. Over time, Charles shows improved behavior, becoming the teacher's helper. Laurie's mother attends a PTA meeting to learn more about Charles, only to discover that there is no Charles in the kindergarten class.

What significant change did Laurie make on his first day of kindergarten?

• He stopped carrying a lunchbox.

• He started taking the bus to school.

• He started wearing a uniform.

• He began wearing blue jeans with a belt.

How did Laurie describe Charles' behavior on the second day of school?

• Charles helped clean the classroom.

• Charles was absent.

• Charles hit the teacher.

• Charles was very helpful.

What did Charles do to a little girl on the third day of school?

• He helped her with her homework.

• He shared his crayons with her.

• He ignored her.

• He bounced a seesaw on her head and made her bleed.

What was Charles' punishment for throwing chalk?

• He was deprived of blackboard privileges.

• He was sent home early.

• He was given extra homework.

• He had to stay inside during recess.

What did Laurie's parents think about Charles' influence on Laurie?

• They didn't care about Charles' influence.

• They thought Charles was a good influence.

• They wanted Laurie to be more like Charles.

• They were worried Charles was a bad influence.

What change occurred in Charles' behavior during the third and fourth weeks?

• He stopped coming to school.

• He became the teacher's helper.

• He was expelled from school.

• He continued to misbehave.

What did Charles do to the teacher's friend who visited the class?

• He ignored him.

• He helped him with the exercises.

• He kicked him.

• He asked him questions.

What did Laurie whisper to his father about the word Charles told a girl to say?

• It was a compliment.

• It was a secret code.

• It was a very bad word.

• It was a funny joke.

What did Laurie's mother discover at the PTA meeting?

• Charles had been expelled.

• There was no Charles in the kindergarten.

• Charles' mother was the teacher.

• Charles was the best student.

How did Laurie's teacher describe Laurie's adjustment to kindergarten?

• He adjusted very quickly.

• He had a little trouble adjusting at first.

• He never adjusted.

• He was always well-behaved.