Part III“Charles” and “The Open Window”

Aim: To read and analyze “Charles” by Shirley Jackson.

Do Now: (Critical Thinking)Think of the Quote: “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.”

John Lennon

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your reasons. (Choose one side). Does the quote apply to the short story?

Your responses will be collected in 7-10 minutes.

1. Who is the narrating the short story?

2. According to the narrator, how did Laurie change when he started kindergarten?

3. When was Charles first mentioned in Laurie’s home? Explain what he had done.

4. Explain how Charles became a household joke at Laurie’s home.

5. Why were Laurie’s parents looking forward to meeting his kindergarten teacher?

6. Why did Laurie’s parents take so long to find out the truth about Charles?

7. Why did Laurie create the imaginary boy Charles?

8. What clue to the identity of Charles can you find in the opening paragraph of the story?

Aim: To continue our discussion of “Charles” by Shirley Jackson.Do Now: Answer the following question:How does the character Laurie change reality? (Hint: Recall yesterday’s Do Now quote).

Classwork: Find and highlight it.

Pair Work: Re-Read through the passage and identify the literary elements on the handout.

Pair WorkIdentify the following elements for the short story. Give line(s) from the text that support your answer.

Setting:

Plot:

Conflict:

Character(s):

Point of View:

Theme: