The Dead of the House | Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. Who is the protagonist of the story?

This story is told from the perspective of the narrator, a young girl named Vanessa, whose grandfather has been the major influence in her life.

2. How does Vanessa begin the story?

Vanessa begins by sharing the history and lineage of her family as far back as her great-great-grandfather who brought his family to America from England in 1840. Her grandfather begins to tell her the story one more time about how it all took place.

3. Where are Vanessa and her grandfather as he tells her more about her ancestors?

Vanessa and her grandfather stand on the porch of his Tudor-style home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

4. What does Vanessa recall about noticing how Grandpa Nye is different from everybody else?

Grandpa Nye's wild lawn is bordered by similar homes with neatly manicured lawns. This is the first...
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