The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop Comprehension Questions

Mrs. Phillips is moving back to England to live with her brother because she is homesick.

Mrs. Phillips has been with William's family for ten years. William is surprised and disappointed by her decision to leave.

William is worried about Mrs. Phillips leaving and the fact that he thought she would stay until he grew up.

<p>William is unable to absorb the news and fears that he might start crying if he looks at Mrs. Phillips.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Silver Knight is significant as it introduces a mysterious and fantastical element to the story, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The decision of William's mother to leave causes tension between them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William finds the Silver Knight in the attic of the castle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William feels the Silver Knight and it moves, causing him to drop it and run in fear.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William discovers that the Silver Knight is sitting up and alive when he returns to the attic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The relationship between William and his mother is a central theme that represents family dynamics and change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The presence of the alive Silver Knight creates a new mysterious element in the story, adding to the intriguing atmosphere with a mix of reality and fantasy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The castle includes a drawbridge, chapel, armory, minstrels' gallery, and the Silver Knight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William's mother used to take him to checkups before Mrs. Phillips took over.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The legend passed down about the Silver Knight involves him reclaiming his land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William experiences a mix of fear, curiosity, and wonder when he interacts with the Silver Knight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story creates an intriguing atmosphere by blending elements of reality, such as family dynamics and relationships, with the fantastical presence of the alive Silver Knight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon of Hargrave</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Due to his small size and weak voice</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A small dagger</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alastor</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is essential for him to break a spell</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A bedchamber</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A classic fairy tale or legend, similar to King Arthur's stories</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chivalrous and formal</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The knight's sudden appearance challenges William's understanding of his world</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wonder and curiosity</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Breaking the spell</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Armory, kitchen, and great hall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A small box with a Silver Knight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is a symbol of the family's history and traditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They have dinner in the kitchen and discuss the castle's history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She explains the master bedchamber and other rooms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The tradition of passing on the castle through generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>That every family has its own traditions rooted in history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The castle and its features intrigue William.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The drawbridge, portcullis, and various rooms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The castle has been passed down through generations in Mrs. Phillips' family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The castle is a symbol of their family's history and traditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They inspect the drawbridge and portcullis before entering the castle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A picture and a pin</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He hopes Mrs. Phillips won’t leave without them</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She behaves strangely but doesn’t confront William directly</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She plans to leave for England to be with her family</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He returns the items to Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A large stone and a wooden castle</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He refuses to accept it as a goodbye present</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She explains its significance in relation to chivalry and King Arthur</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips' attempt to leave a lasting impact on William</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The emotional bond between William and Mrs. Phillips, with Mrs. Phillips recognizing William's gentle heart</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The struggle of a young boy trying to prevent the departure of a significant person in his life</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of meaningful gifts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William excels at gymnastics, and Mrs. Phillips provides support and encouragement for him during his performances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William realizes that his mind and body are working together just before the round-off, and Mrs. Phillips responds with a wide smile and applause for his achievement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William expresses doubt about performing as well without Mrs. Phillips present, but she contradicts this belief by emphasizing that his success is due to his own concentration and ability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They play a game of chess after dinner, signifying a bond and shared leisure activity between them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Transport people back to the attic</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The relationship between William, Mrs. Phillips, and Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Magical elements, including the ability to transport people using a token and a small man named Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The token and Sir Simon's whereabouts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The emotional weight and the responsibility William feels towards her and Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The alive Silver Knight adds a magical and surreal element to the story's atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Visibly tired and disoriented</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Filled with surreal experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emotional weight of leaving, responsibility, and the relationship between the characters</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It represents family traditions and has significance in relation to chivalry and King Arthur</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrative</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Facing Mrs. Phillips and listening to the voices inside the belt pack</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a token</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the Silver Knight</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the consequences of meddling with someone's time</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>protect her</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a wooden box</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>that she will always be with him in spirit</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>tears</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William's desire to keep Mrs. Phillips with him using a token and involves the Silver Knight and a castle</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the deep bond between Mrs. Phillips and William's family</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a special belt pack</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>England</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William feels guilty for causing distress to Mrs. Phillips and hopes that she will speak to him once she is back to her normal size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon, a small knight, assists Mrs. Phillips in adjusting to her new size and situation, making William feel lonely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips is resigned to her situation, and Sir Simon advises against revealing the permanence of her condition to her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William finds comfort in the lingering scent of Mrs. Phillips' lavender soap after she leaves, and he feels her absence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William's father returns home and comforts him, suggesting they spend more time together to cope with Mrs. Phillips' departure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They plan to explore cooking Chinese food together, a departure from their usual dishes. William's father gifts him a wok and a Chinese cookbook, symbolizing their new cooking venture and the departure of Mrs. Phillips.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They make plans to cook Chinese food together, signifying a new phase in their relationship. William's father suggests they could call to remind each other about their cooking plans, showing his commitment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They make plans to cook beef and broccoli for Thursday night, indicating their determination to try new things together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They bond over washing dishes and planning meals, signifying their strengthened relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William finds solace in music while doing his homework, reflecting his father's influence on him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Measuring the castle and making a moat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Small, to understand her situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A riddle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>His friend Jason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dinner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At the kitchen table.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leave the attic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The significance of passing it on through generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leaving at the end of the month.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her situation in the attic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Peculiar behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An elaborate speaker system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William struggles with guilt and regret for causing distress to Mrs. Phillips and wishes he could take back what he did.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The drawbridge symbolizes the difference in scale and time perception between William and the knight, highlighting the challenges and differences they face due to their sizes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William realizes the impact of his actions and the irreversible consequences, showing his growth in understanding the weight of his decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon's appearance symbolizes the resolution of the conflict and the beginning of a new phase in the narrative, indicating the advancement of the plot and the characters' journey.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The armory and the squire uniform and weapons provided for William's training as a squire</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lady Elinore expresses concern about William's situation and his motives for returning</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon whispers a knightly incantation while dressing William in his squire attire</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William asks Sir Simon about the words of conduct for knights, squires, and pages</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon shares the rules of conduct for knights, squires, and pages with William</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William, Sir Simon, and Lady Elinore gather in the courtyard for the start of William's training</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon commends William's courage and announces the start of his training as a squire</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William brings supplies to Lady Elinore and they share a meal with Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon leads William through the castle, showing him the banquet hall and Lady Elinore's room</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William and Lady Elinore have a heartfelt conversation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon embraces William and praises his courage and knightly qualities</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William is provided with a squire uniform and weapons from the armory</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon cautions William about the potential dangers and urges him to stay close and be cautious of strange apparitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William experiences physical discomfort from thorns and scratches, as well as thirst and exhaustion from lack of food and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon prevents William from drinking from a stream, cautioning him to shut his eyes and resist the temptation, emphasizing the dangers of apparitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The forest becomes wilder, with the road narrowing and the noise of animals growing more intense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The bond between William and Sir Simon is tested as they face various obstacles and temptations in the challenging and potentially dangerous environment of the forest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text paints a vivid picture of the eerie and ominous atmosphere of the forest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon reminisces about his past, including his renowned stable of one hundred horses and a silver stallion named Moonlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William struggles to block out the intensifying noises of the forest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon cautions William to be cautious of strange apparitions in the forest due to the potential dangers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon mentions that they will reach the edge of his land by the next noon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William's physical and emotional struggle continues as they journey through the forest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon's guidance and protection become increasingly crucial as they navigate the challenging and potentially dangerous environment of the forest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>combat, weapon maintenance, and gymnastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>honesty and loyalty</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both Sir Simon and Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prepare him for a specific battle, emphasizing agility and quick recovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Using intelligence and agility</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William assisting Sir Simon in dressing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Returning to their old world and asks Mrs. Phillips to accompany him</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The importance of self-reliance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To prepare William for his upcoming challenge</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-reliance and personal growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A farewell interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Honesty, loyalty, self-reliance, personal growth, and emotional support</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>food, a recorder, and binoculars</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>medieval or fantasy world with castles, knights, and magical rules</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>he has the heart and soul of a knight in the body of a squire</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>winding around stately trees, with summer in full flower and heavy green leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>characters preparing for a journey, with Sir Simon and William readying themselves for an adventure</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>food, a recorder, and binoculars</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>rich descriptive language</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>reassures him about his safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He lays down in the dry streambed and puts his face in a puddle to drink the brackish water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He realizes that he has no plan to defeat the wizard, and wonders why he is in such a terrible hurry to leave the area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The young man quickly points further down the road for water and turns away, but when William glances back, the man is watching him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dry, brown fields and the people standing idly about watching William suggest a harsh, unwelcoming environment for strangers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Not to look down and not to eat the apple</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two birds fly towards him and he refrains from taking a bite</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He transforms into a young man, breaking the wizard's spell</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He throws it away to prevent anyone from eating it due to the spell</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Food and drink from his own provisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It had a spell on it</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The consequences of following instructions in a magical world and the power of kindness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William encounters a parched and abandoned land, with people fleeing the area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William notices desolation and ash in the air.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William feels small and alone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the morning, he approaches the castle feeling terrified and doubting his ability to face the dragon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William seeks guidance from Mrs. Phillips.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He plays the recorder and marches towards the dragon while playing 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William sees disturbing images reflected in the dragon's eyes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>As the fire engulfs him, he sees a house burning and people screaming for help.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The young man was under a spell and trapped in an old man's body for years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The young man was put under the spell for stealing apples to save his sick baby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The wizard turns people into lead and keeps them in a special gallery for his amusement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The young man warns William about the dragon guarding the wizard's castle and advises him to give up his plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The young man shares a secret with William on how to defeat the dragon using a dagger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William met the young man's son, who confirmed his identity as the Silver Knight's son.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William overhears disturbing conversations about people being turned into lead by the wizard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The people express despair as they believe the person they were waiting for has been destroyed like the others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William covers his ears to block out the distressing remarks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips' tragic accident</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ask for its help instead of hurting it</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Keep playing the recorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The castle</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Step forward</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The encounter with the old man</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Terror and misery around him</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A bird’s song</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Approaching and announcing his intention to apply for the position of the wizard’s fool</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dragon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Signs of aging</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stab it with his dagger</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William sees the figure of himself walking towards him and the picture of Mrs. Phillips imprisoned inside his heart. This sight empowers him to no longer be scared of the mirror and to take a powerful step towards it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The wizard Alastor believes the mirror will show William fear and weakness. William challenges this belief by confidently facing the mirror and seeing the image of himself walking towards him, as well as the picture of Mrs. Phillips imprisoned inside his heart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William's interaction with the mirror demonstrates his inner strength and resolve by refusing to succumb to fear and instead seeing the image of himself walking towards him, which empowers him to no longer be scared of the mirror.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When William looks into the mirror, he realizes that he sees himself and the picture of Mrs. Phillips imprisoned inside his heart. This realization impacts his perception of the situation by empowering him to no longer be scared of the mirror and to confidently challenge the wizard Alastor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Janus medal and the lead disk with Saturn's sign are important tokens that William entrusts to Sir Simon for safekeeping, symbolizing his commitment to the quest for Lady Elinore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The celebration banquet marks William's victory and the revival of the kingdom, serving as a moment of joy and triumph before his departure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The spells are broken, revealing a black cat as Calendar's former dragon guardian, adding an unexpected twist to the story.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon plans to provide horses for William and Tolliver to return home safely, ensuring their safe journey back.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The land springs back to life after the defeat of the wizard, symbolizing the restoration of peace and prosperity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tolliver wishes to accompany William on his journey home, showing loyalty and friendship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon recounts his escape from the forest with the help of Moonlight, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of the characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon instructs William to put on a necklace with a token for Lady Elinore, emphasizing the importance of the quest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist brushes away tears of joy, indicating emotional moments and the depth of their experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William entrusts the lead disk with Saturn's sign to Sir Simon for safekeeping, showing his trust and reliance on Sir Simon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The necklace with the Janus medal symbolizes William's commitment to the quest for Lady Elinore and serves as a token of his dedication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The spells are broken, revealing a black cat as Calendar's former dragon guardian, adding an unexpected twist to the story.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The wizard, Alastor</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A lead necklace</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lead necklace</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Loyalty</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Human form</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They embrace and find happiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two days</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The statue of the wizard</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emotional farewell</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Conquering fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lead statue of the wizard</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emotional return and growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>His growth and wisdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The power of the mirror and expresses awe at the statue</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Renewed hope</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sir Simon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They secure the drawbridge and take a last stroll around the wall walk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They plan to use the special token to return to their original sizes and then drop it off the side of the ship when Mrs. Phillips crosses the Atlantic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William uses the token on Mrs. Phillips first, and then she uses it on him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips plans to drop off the token and the wizard figure off the side of the ship when she crosses the Atlantic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William performs a gymnastics routine for Mrs. Phillips before they part ways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips plans to drop off the token and the wizard figure off the side of the ship when she crosses the Atlantic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They share a heartfelt goodbye as the bus approaches to take Mrs. Phillips away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>William is the first to let go as they bid each other farewell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They eat the last of the granola for breakfast.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Phillips is eager to return to the outside world for a brisk walk in the countryside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They change into their old clothes before leaving the castle.</p> Signup and view all the answers