Next Term, We'll Mash You

Which is an example of direct characterization?

"The child had black hair, slicked down smooth to his head."

What feeling does Lively suggest with the following description? The child stands in the centre of the room, and it draws in around him.

Charles feels claustrophobic.

What is the parents' main draw to St. Edward's Preparatory School?

It is prestigious.

How does Charles feel based on the following description? His face is haggard with anticipation.

Nervous

What does the theme expressed by the results of Charles's parents' actions say about life?

People are misguided in placing social status above people's feelings and needs.

What does the mother's initial reaction to St. Edward's as they approach the school suggest about her?

She is focused on the way the school can benefit her socially.

What idea does the fact that the parents decide on the school before asking Charles how he likes it support?

Social standing is more important than Charles's opinion.

According to one boy, what do students in the Lower Third always do to newcomers?

Students in the Lower Third "always mash new boys."

What do the descriptions of the headmaster and his wife show about the kind of school it is?

The headmaster and his wife wear quality clothing and are both very confident—it is a prestigious school.

Which best describes the characters' relationship to the Wilcoxes?

The parents are in competition with the Wilcoxes.

What does the boy's warning suggest that school will be like for Charles?

The warning suggests school will be tough for Charles.

What does the parents' motivation for sending Charles to St. Edward's say about their character?

Their decisions are driven by social climbing.

How does Charles suffer at the hands of his parents' classism?

Their social status is placed before his welfare.

What does the nature of the relationship between the characters and the Wilcoxes indicate about that level of society?

They are artificial and competitive.

To what school is the Manders family going?

They are going to St. Edward's Preparatory School.

What do Charles's parents like about the school?

They like the superficial aspects of the school, such as the gym and swimming pool.

Lively's word choice in the sentence "They help themselves to his name, his age, his school" suggest that Charles

is an unwilling participant.

Charles's parents base their judgment of the schoolmaster's wife on her

outward appearance.