Characters
Who is the main character in "Terrible Things"?
The main character is a little rabbit.
What does the word "allegory" mean?
An allegory is a story that has a deeper meaning or teaches a lesson.
When the Terrible Things come to get the birds, what does Big Rabbit say?
"Those birds were always noisy."
What causes the animals to start disappearing?
The terrible things come take them away one group at a time.
What happens first in the story?
The story begins with the animals living happily in their community.
What does the rabbit notice about the other animals in the story?
The rabbit notices that some animals are disappearing.
Define the term "disappear."
To disappear means to go away or not be seen anymore.
In reference to the animals being taken away, "We musn't ask" is Big Rabbit's response to whom?
Little Rabbit
What effect does fear have on the animals' actions?
Fear causes the animals to remain silent and blame the others instead of taking action.
What animals get taken away first?
The birds
Name one animal that is taken away in the story.
Birds, fish, porcupines, squirrels, frogs, rabbits
What does "consequence" mean in the context of the story?
An undesirable result of an action.
What do the rabbits and porcupines NOT do to each other at the end of the story?
Look at one another
What does Little Rabbit decide to do when he isn't caught?
He is going to tell the other animals and try to save them.
What event occurs after the first animals are taken?
The other animals start to notice and fear begins to spread.
How does the rabbit feel about the disappearances?
The rabbit feels scared and confused.
What does the word "fear" mean?
Fear is a feeling of being scared, worried or anxious
What does Little Rabbit realize at the end of the story?
They need to help each other and stand up against the terrible things. He needs to warn the others.
What is the cause of Little Rabbit's change in attitude?
He realizes that staying silent is not safe or right.
What two animal groups are left at the end of the story?
The rabbits and the porcupines
What lesson does the rabbit learn by the end of the story?
The rabbit learns the importance of standing up for others and not being silent.
Explain what "silence" means in the story.
Silence refers to not speaking, no sound.
Most animals will not listen to Little Rabbit because of this.
He is small and young.
How do the actions of the animals affect the overall message of the story?
Their actions emphasize the importance of courage and the need to protect one another.
How does the story end? List THREE things about Little Rabbit.
Little Rabbit disguises himself as a rock.
He is not caught.
Little Rabbit leaves to warn other animals of the Terrible Things.