Charles

Question 1

1. Who is the speaker of the story?

Answer 1

Charles’ mother.

Question 2

2. Provide three specific examples from the story of Laurie’s bad
   behavior at home.

Answer 2

i) Laurie slams the front door open.
ii) Laurie speaks insolently to his father.
iii) Laurie spills Jannie’s milk.
(Any other correct answers also accepted)

Question 3

3. Define the following words:
   a. “raucous” (page 7)
   b. “cynically” (page 10)
   c. “haggard” (page 11)

Answer 3

a. making a loud noise / being loud
b. in a distrustful way
c. looking exhausted or unwell

Question 4

4. What does it mean when “Charles became an institution in the
   household”?

Answer 4

Charles has become a part of their daily lives. They have become used
to hearing about him every day.

Question 5

5. Why is it IRONIC that Laurie’s mother wants to meet Charles’s
   mother?

Answer 5

Laurie’s mother IS Charles’ mother. (She just doesn’t know it yet)

Question 6

6. Give two examples of bad parenting in the story.

Answer 6

The parents use bad language and they do not contact the school to
hear how Laurie is doing after they miss the first PTA meeting.

Question 7

7. What clue in the story hints that Laurie is Charles before it is
   revealed at the end?

Answer 7

Charles has to stay after school and so does everyone else.

Question 8

8. Explain who ‘Charles’ really is. Why do you think Laurie

invented Charles?

Answer 8

Charles is Laurie’s alter ego. I think Laurie invented him to try
and cope with going to Kindergarten.