Short+Story

You can use this copy of the Short Story CHARLES by Shirley Jackson.

This is kind of quirky - try this link for a teacher reading aloud the short story. http://vodpod.com/watch/994948-homework-charles-by-shirley-jackson-fatal-flaws

"Charles", written by Jackson, also reveals human nature. She takes a typical family and shows that behind what is visible to us, could be something no one expected. In this story, a mother refuses to look at what is right under her nose, for fear of discovering something that she doesn't want to see - her precious innocent little boy causing serious trouble. Instead, she would rather believe that it is another little boy named Charles.  Not only does this show the mother's reaction, but it also displays her son, Laurie's, who is really causing the trouble in school. Why is he hinting to his parents instead of coming right out and telling them? Could it be because he wants his parents to figure it out on their own?  Shirley Jackson shows how these two people react to this situation. Furthermore, she also shows how it is dealt with, by both the parents and the child. In this case, the parent wanted desperately not to see the truth, whereas the son wanted it desperately to be revealed.

 When you have read the story try this short quiz  http://www.homercentral.org/JH/Grade_8/LA/Team17Cc.htm