The Veldt
5. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
"'This room is their mother and father, far more important in their lives than their real parents.'" (Paragraph 198)
6. What does the detail "He never looked at his father any more, nor at his mother" reveal about Peter in paragraph 148?
He no longer respects his parents.
2. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
"'Where before they had a Santa Claus now they have a Scrooge. Children prefer Santas. You've let this room and this house replace you and your wife in your children's affections.'" (Paragraph 198)
7. How do paragraphs 69-70 develop readers understanding of the children?
In these paragraphs, the reader begins to understand that the children are obsessed with the nursery, particularly with the veldt, and that their obsession is dangerous. In paragraph 70, it says, "Perhaps Lydia was right. Perhaps they needed a little vacation from the fantasy which was growing a bit too real for ten-year-old children. It was all right to exercise one's mind with gymnastic fantasies, but when the lively child mind settled on one pattern...?" The children's fixation on the veldt scene and the nursery was becoming a problem.
8. What does the quote "He could feel it on his neck, still, like a hot paw" reveal about Mr. Hadley's memory of the veldt (Paragraph 65)?
It reveals that Mr. Hadley remembers the veldt vividly. "That sun. He could feel it on his neck, still, like a hot paw. And the lions. And the smell of blood." ( paragraph 65). He still remembers small details, as if it were real. This is when he begins to notice that something is wrong.
3. What is the meaning of the phrase "'Children are carpets, they should be stepped on occasionally'" (Paragraph 131)?
Parents should discipline their children.
4. PART A: Which of the following best describes the children's relationship with the nursery?
They love it in the way that they should love their parents.
1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies one of the themes of the text?
When parents spoil their children, it can have irreversible consequences.
