Characters
What does Merricat repeatedly think about Charles?
He is just a “big white face.”
What is the villagers' primary chant as they watch the Blackwood house burn?
Daily Double if you explain why you think they chanted this!
In Chapter 5, what is the first thing Cousin Charles does that signals his attempt to take control of the Blackwood household?
He sits in their father's chair and uses his things.
What specific item of Charles' does Merricat ruin by 'cleaning' it with dirt and water?
His bed. She puts sticks and things from the yard into the bed to ruin it.
What happens to Uncle Julian during the night of the fire (Chapter 9)?
:(
He dies in his room.
What happens to the family's dinnerware and silver during the riot?
It is smashed or stolen by the villagers.
How does Constance's behavior change shortly after Charles arrives?
She becomes less supportive of Merricat.
How do the villagers behave once the fire is under control?
They begin to loot and smash the remaining contents of the house.
What is Merricat's immediate reaction to Charles's presence in the house?
She views him as a 'ghost' or an intruder that must be driven away. Really doesn't want him there.
In Chapter 7, Cousin Charles discovers something of Merricat's that leads to a major confrontation. What does he find?
The silver dollars she had buried in the field
Where do Merricat and Constance hide after the fire until the villagers leave?
In Merricat’s special getaway near the creek
What is the final line of the novel?
"Oh, Constance," I said, "we are so happy."
What does Merricat do when she notices Charles wearing her father’s gold watch and chain?
She twists the watch dial backwards until it breaks.
Why do the villagers start leaving food on the Blackwoods' doorstep in the final chapter?
They feel a mix of guilt and superstitious fear.
Why does Charles become increasingly frustrated with Uncle Julian in Chapter 6?
Uncle Julian is obsessed with the past and interrupts Charles' attempts to discuss the future.
In Chapter 7, Charles focuses a lot on the silver dollars that he finds. Provide a solid reason for why you think this is? Daily Double if you back this up with a quote/page number!
TBD
In Chapter 10, how do the sisters secure the house against the world?
They board up the windows and doors of the ground floor.
True or False: Constance's favorite restaurant is Chilis
False. She never goes outside of her garden.
In Chapter 7, how does Uncle Julian’s behavior toward Charles change as Charles becomes more controlling?
Julian begins to mistake Charles for his own long-dead brother, John.
What is Merricat’s response when Constance mentions the poisoning?
She remains silent and refuses to look at Constance.
What 'treasure' does Merricat find has been disturbed, leading her to believe her magic is failing against Charles?
A book she had nailed to a tree
During a tense dinner in Chapter 7, what does Charles threaten to do to Merricat?
Punish her by withholding her supper
What happens to the upper floor of the house after the fire?
It remains a charred ruin, open to the sky.
What becomes of Merricat's 'Blackwood Day' (her trips to the village)?
She stops going entirely; they never leave the property again.
Why does Merricat feel a sense of relief when the fire starts?
She thinks it will 'cleanse' the house of Charles' presence.
What revelation does Constance make to Merricat after the fire?
She tells Merricat she has always known that Merricat poisoned everyone.
How do Constance and Merricat react differently to Charles?
Constance is polite and somewhat welcoming, while Merricat immediately distrusts and resents him.
What does Merricat do to Charles' room in Chapter 8 that eventually leads to the fire?
She knocks his pipe into a wastebasket full of papers.
What does Cousin Charles do when he returns to the house one last time in Chapter 10?
He stands outside and begs for the money.
How does Merricat describe their new life in the ruins of the house?
Daily Double if you can provide a page and direct quote.
As a peaceful and happy existence