Reading Questions

Dies Drear - Chapters 1- 3
Resources for the novel can be found at
Mrs. Mac's Dies Drear web page

Chapter 1

  1. List below all of the specific references to size which you can find in the dream passage (p. 3-4). Quote directly from the novel.

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  2. Explain specifically how the dream means each of the following:
  1. A warning -

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  2. Strangeness -

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  3. Flight -

 

 

  1. In one sentence, tell what Thomas most regrets leaving behind.

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  2. What is the "something funny" about the house that Mrs. Small comments upon?

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  3. Define sinister. How do the weather, the dream and the location of the house support the use of this word? Write 4 sentences. Quote directly from the chapter if you can.

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  4. What special ability, in general, does Thomas think the twins have?

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    7. Explain the situation in which we find Thomas and his family.

     

     

    Chapter 2

  5. Explain the historical importance of the house in Ohio.

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  6. List below the facts you have read about Dies Drear.

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  7. List below 3 character traits (not physical traits) of Thomas. For each, give a specific quotation or action from Chapters 1-2 to illustrate the trait.

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  8. What is strange about Mr. Pluto?

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  9. What conflicts can you find in Chapters 1-2 (remember: _____________ vs. ________)

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  10. List the secrets and/or unanswered questions can you find in Chapters 1-2.

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    Chapter 3

  11. List below specific sentences, clauses, and phrases which create an eerie or sinister atmosphere for the setting (inside & outside of the house).

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  12. What makes Thomas angry at Mr. Pluto?

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  13. What evidence do we have that Mr. Pluto is thoughtful?

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. What evidence do we have that Mr. Pluto is mean-spirited?

 

 

 

17. What character trait of Thomas is revealed in the incident with the button on the door? Write 2-3 good sentences telling specifically what trait and how it is illustrated.