Question

In the story "Charles," how does Shirley Jackson develop the negative viewpoint that Laurie's parents have of Charles's mother?

Select the two correct answers.

Laurie's parents discuss with each other what Charles's mother should do to get him to behave.

At the P.T.A meeting, Laurie's mother notes that none of the mothers look "haggard enough" to be Charles's this mother.

Laurie's mother hopes to befriend Charles's mother because she sees the same problems with Laurie.

Charles's father says, "I don't see how they could hold a PTA meeting without Charles's mother."

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Answer 1

At the P.T.A meeting, Laurie's mother notes that none of the mothers look "haggard enough" to be Charles's this mother.

Laurie's mother hopes to befriend Charles's mother because she sees the same problems with Laurie.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

At the P.T.A meeting, Laurie's mother notes that none of the mothers look "haggard enough" to be Charles's this mother.

Laurie's mother hopes to befriend Charles's mother because she sees the same problems with Laurie.

Step-by-step explanation:

Shirley Jackson’s short story "Charles" is a story of a young boy named Laurie and his rebellious nature, which he successfully hid from his parents by making up an imaginary friend/ classmate. The story delves into the theme of trying to search for his own identity in a new environment, trying to fit in but also his ways of trying to socialize in his new kindergarten school.

The two instances where Laurie's parents have preconceived notions of how negative Charles was for their son is when Laurie's mother lamented how she was unable to locate Charles's mother at the PTA meeting. She commented on how none of the mothers look "haggard enough" to be dealing with a child such as Charles. At the same time, she also wished to befriend Charles's mother in the hope that she can know how to handle Laurie who has turned more into a "Charles" even at home.

Thus, the correct answers are the second and third options.