Exploring Shirley Jackson's 'Charles'

The story 'Charles' by Shirley Jackson follows a mother who observes her son Laurie's behavior change after starting kindergarten. Laurie frequently talks about a mischievous classmate named Charles, whose antics become a topic of concern for Laurie's parents. As the story progresses, Charles' behavior improves, but a surprising revelation at a PTA meeting reveals that there is no Charles in Laurie's class, suggesting that Laurie himself may be the troublemaker.

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

• He starts carrying a new backpack.

• He begins wearing blue jeans with a belt.

• He starts wearing a uniform.

• He cuts his hair short.

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

• Charles hit the teacher.

• Charles shared his crayons.

• Charles was absent.

• Charles was very helpful.

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

• He helps her with her homework.

• He hits her on the head with a seesaw.

• He ignores her.

• He gives her a gift.

What punishment does Charles receive for throwing chalk?

• He is given extra homework.

• He loses blackboard privileges.

• He is made to stand in the corner.

• He is sent home.

What does Laurie’s father suggest about the influence of Charles?

• Charles should be expelled.

• Charles is a good influence.

• Laurie should avoid Charles.

• There will always be people like Charles in the world.

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

• He stops coming to school.

• He transfers to another school.

• He becomes the teacher’s helper.

• He continues to misbehave.

What does Laurie report Charles did to a little girl that resulted in her mouth being washed with soap?

• He ignored her.

• He told her to say a bad word.

• He pushed her.

• He took her lunch.

What does Laurie’s mother hope to achieve by attending the PTA meeting?

• To complain about the teacher.

• To discuss Laurie’s grades.

• To meet Charles' mother.

• To volunteer for school activities.

What surprising information does Laurie’s mother learn at the PTA meeting?

• Charles has been expelled.

• Charles has moved to another school.

• Charles is the teacher’s son.

• There is no Charles in the kindergarten.

How does Laurie’s teacher describe Laurie’s adjustment to kindergarten?

• He had no trouble adjusting.

• He had some trouble adjusting initially but is now a fine helper.

• He is still having trouble adjusting.

• He is the best student in the class.