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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the nursery a reflection of?

2. What have Peter and Wendy had for dinner at the carnival?

3. Who says the following: “But I thought that’s why we bought this house, so we wouldn’t have to do anything?”

4. How old are the children?

5. What form of writing is The Veldt?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Peter and Wendy trick George and Lydia into the nursery?

2. How do the children react when George and David McClean shut the nursery off?

3. Why does Lydia say, “The house is wife and mother now, and nursemaid”?

4. How do Wendy and Peter tell their parents that they will be late for dinner?

5. In the past, what has David McClean noticed about the nursery?

6. Why does George cave and turn the nursery on for just “one more minute”?

7. How does Peter threaten his father?

8. What does Lydia hear that George does not – at least at first?

9. Explain Dr.McClean’s comment that children prefer santas over scrooges.

10. Why does Lydia “bolt and run”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Veldt, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 2

Often readers identify with the protagonist, by putting themselves in the character’s situation and wondering what they would do.

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said, "Know thyself." How can reading a short story such at The Veldt help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and relationships to others and to technology when reading The Veldt? Why or why not? Discuss one character with whom you identify and why you feel that way. Use examples from The Veldt and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Bradbury’s work is commentary on his prediction of society projected forward from 1950.

Based on the central conflict of man versus machine and loss of human connection, describe the values of this society. Why must they live in a Happylife home? Why do George and Lydia believe that nothing is good enough for their children? What is suggested by the fact that they take sedatives to go to sleep at night?

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