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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. Who says the following: “But nothing’s too good for our children”?

2. How do the children react to the nursery being turned off?

3. When George and David enter the nursery, what are the lions doing?

4. What does George try to conjure to get rid of the veldt?

5. What does the found item smell like?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the nursery change once George and Lydia enter?

2. What does Lydia think is wrong with her life?

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

4. What does George’s reaction to Lydia’s fear signify?

5. Lydia says about the nursery: “It’s supposed to help them work off their neuroses in a healthful way.” What does this mean? Has it worked?

6. Why does George laugh at Lydia once she runs out of the nursery?

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

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

9. Why does Lydia want George to lock up the nursery?

10. What is odd about the children when Dr.McClean arrives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story begins with Lydia’s concern regarding the nursery due to the African veldt, the lions and the reoccurring screams. The nursery reflects the children’s psyche.

What seems to be the problem with the nursery? Why is it concerning to George and Lydia? What does it suggest that the children are thinking about?

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

It is clear that the relationship between George and Lydia and their children is strained. At one point in the short story, George mentions that he and Lydia are treated like the offspring and not the parents.

Describe the relationship between the parents and children. How do George and Lydia know something isn’t right with their children?

(see the answer keys)

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