Question

The questions below refer to the selection “Next Term, We'll Mash You.”

At the high point of the plot, the title of the story —

a. turns out to have been a false clue, or “red herring”
b. suggests Charles’s miserable fate at the school
c. identifies who is the real main character
d. reveals that the students at the school are friendly after all

Answer 1

I’m happy to help you with your question about the selection “Next Term, We’ll Mash You” by Penelope Lively.

The correct answer is B. The title of the story suggests Charles’s miserable fate at the school. The title is a direct quote from one of the boys who threatens Charles when he visits the school with his parents. The title foreshadows the violence and bullying that Charles will face if he enrolls in the school, which is contrasted with the pleasant and polite appearance of the school that his parents see. The title also implies that Charles has no choice or voice in his own future, as his parents have already decided to send him to the school without considering his feelings or opinions.