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ELA/Sixth Grade

Comprehension Questions for “Charles” by Shirley Jackson

Directions: Answer the following questions in well-developed sentences that fully address all parts of the question. Be sure you include examples from the story in your answer when it is required. Begin each answer using the TTQA (Turn the Question Around) method of responding. Use proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling in all of your responses.

  1. What is the setting in “Charles?” Consider both time and place. Where is the main physical location of the story and what acts as the backdrop location? Also, reread paragraph #4. What clue exists in this paragraph to help the reader place the time period of the setting?
  1. By the end of page one the reader has begun to formulate an impression of Laurie, based primarily on indirect characterizations. Explain this kindergartner’s personality and support your opinion using two quotes of indirect characterization from the story.
  1. Reread paragraphs #12 and #13. What do the parents’ conversations reveal about each of their personalities. (This dialogue between the parents helps the reader to understand them through indirect characterization.)
  1. Now, read the parents’ conversations and inner thoughts in paragraphs #45-48. How does the tone of both parents shift at this point in the story? (Recall that tone has to do with attitude.) Provide two quotes that support your answer regarding their shift in tone. Why do they seem so eager to meet Charles’ mother?
  1. Our literature text defines a dynamic character as one who changes or develops in some way during the course of the story. The change is often seen in the character’s personality or perspective (outlook). On the other hand, a static character is defined as one who does not exhibit any change throughout the story. (We will go over these terms and examples of both in more detail in class.) Given the definition above, describe how Charles is revealed to the reader as a dynamic character. According to Laurie’s account of Charles’ behavior, what changes occur to suggest that Charles is altering his personality? Be sure to use direct evidence and/or quotes from the story to support your answer.
  1. What clues exist early in the story that help the reader to better understand the ending? Find two quotes from anywhere earlier in the story that subtly foreshadowthe twist in Jackson’s ironic ending. Explain how these quotes (though perhaps easily overlooked during the first time they are read) help the reader to suspect the ending?
  1. In class, we have discussed the literary element of motif. Recall that motif refers to any recurring image, word, phrase, or action that occurs within a literary work. Common motifs can be characters such as the evil witch, damsel-in-distress, mysterious stranger, and an underdog character turned hero. They can also be settings such as the haunted mansion, solitary farmhouse, or opulent castle. Numbers such as 3, 7, and 12 are common motifs, as are colors such as red, black, and white. These motifs often occur in multiple stories and contribute to the mood, symbolism, and theme of stories. Another common motif is that of the trickster character. The trickster character is one who appears in numerous myths (the satyr Pan), fairy tales (the wolf) and fables (fox and coyote). It is also a common character in cartoons (think Bugs Bunny and Bart Simpson). The main traits of all trickster characters are that they are clever and mischievous and often (though not always) succeed in getting the best of their opponent.

Explain how Laurie fits the description of a trickster character. Use at least two direct examples and/or quotes from the story that support your explanation.

  1. The theme of children being smarter or cleverer than adults arises in the tale of “Charles.” This is a recurring theme that has been used by many authors (e.g. the fable “The Emperor’s New Clothesby Hans Christian Anderson,” Roald Dahl’s Matilda, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and O. Henry’s “The Ransom of Red Chief” to name but a few). Explain how this theme relates to “Charles” by providing at least three examples of Laurie’s ability to consistently outwit his parents. In what ways is the author Jackson successful in portraying the adults as clueless?