The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the setting of the story?

Maple Street

What are the first signs that something strange is going on on Maple Street?

Phones, portable radios, and cars aren't working

What is Tommy's explanation for what is happening?

He said it is aliens

What first causes neighbors to suspect that Les Goodman is from outer space?

His car starts on its own Signup and view all the answers

What happens that temporarily turns the neighbors away from their conflict among themselves?

A figure appears down the street walking toward them. Signup and view all the answers

Whom or what does Charlie shoot with the shotgun and why does he shoot?

He shoots Pete Van Horn because he thinks he is an alien. Signup and view all the answers

According to the narrator, what is as destructive as bombs and fallout?

Prejudice and suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What qualities in Les Goodman and Steve Brand cause people to become suspicious of them?

They are quiet people who are loners. Signup and view all the answers

What do the crowd's accusations suggest about how clearly they were thinking?

They are not thinking clearly. Signup and view all the answers

How does fear contribute to Maple Street?

The fear is what causes them to become a mob. Signup and view all the answers

What is the real cause of the strange occurrences on Maple Street?

Aliens plotting to destroy humankind. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the community turn into an angry and suspicious mob?

They are scared, worried, and nervous. Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story is it when inhabitants notice a 'meteor' like object fly overhead and afterwards all electronics go dead?

exposition Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story involves Tommy telling a story about aliens arriving from outer space?

conflict Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story describes Pete Van Horn leaving to check the next block and Mr. Goodman's car mysteriously starting?

rising action Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story features the mob seeing a figure and Charlie accidentally shooting Van Horn?

climax Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story includes Charlie screaming that the real alien is Tommy?

falling action Signup and view all the answers

What part of the story shows that aliens watched over the town and that human nature destroyed the inhabitants?

resolution Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict illustrates Steve's logical approach against mob mentality?

Man vs. society Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict is showcased when Charlie's inability to control his fears leads to violence?

Man vs. self Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict is evident when neighbors turn against each other due to paranoia?

Man vs. man Signup and view all the answers

What kind of theme is reflected in the neighbors turning on each other due to fear and suspicion?

theme of fear/paranoia Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the story?

Things aren't always what they seem and people shouldn't judge others without proof Signup and view all the answers

What point of view is this story written in?

third person omniscient Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the screenplay?

Maple Street U.S.A., 6:43 PM, late summer Signup and view all the answers

What is the real cause of the power fluctuations on Maple Street?

Aliens are plotting to destroy the humans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth dimension?

The dimension of imagination or the Twilight Zone. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first person to suggest that aliens were creating the power fluctuations?

Tommy Signup and view all the answers

What did the aliens comment about the Earthlings?

How easy it was to create paranoia and panic, and conclude that the easiest way to conquer Earth is to let the people of Earth destroy themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What young boy introduces the idea of 'monsters' from his science fiction book?

Tommy Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first man accused of causing the blackout, having his car turn on and off by itself?

Les Goodman Signup and view all the answers

Who is the man who went to check if the street over still had power and was shot by Charlie?

Peter Van Horn Signup and view all the answers

Who is the second man accused of being the 'monster' since he has a radio no one has seen before?

Steve Brand Signup and view all the answers

Who is the most paranoid man accused of being the 'monster' since his lights turned on in his house?

Charlie Signup and view all the answers

What is a comparison without using like or as known as?

metaphor Signup and view all the answers

What is a comparison using like or as known as?

simile Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a simile?

Like a hippopotamus in a circus Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when the spelling of a word mimics the sound it makes?

onomatopoeia Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when something is given human-like qualities?

personification Signup and view all the answers

What is an adjective that means nervous or confused?

flustered Signup and view all the answers

What is a noun that means change of form?

metamorphosis Signup and view all the answers

What is an adjective that means boldly resisting?

defiant Signup and view all the answers

What is an adverb that means as if lacking energy?

sluggishly Signup and view all the answers

What is an adverb that means firmly and steadily?

persistently Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Initial Signs

The story takes place on Maple Street, a quiet suburban neighborhood.
Electronics such as phones, radios, and cars stop working, signaling something strange is happening.

Characters and Conflict

Tommy proposes the idea that aliens are responsible for the occurrences.
Les Goodman becomes suspect when his car inexplicably starts on its own.
A figure appears, temporarily distracting the neighbors from their conflicts.
Charlie accidentally shoots Pete Van Horn, mistaking him for an alien.

Themes and Messages

Prejudice and suspicion are highlighted as equally destructive forces as bombs.
The juxtaposition of good neighbors turning into a mob emphasizes the theme of fear and paranoia.
The central theme indicates that appearances can be deceptive and warns against judging others without evidence.

Story Structure

Exposition establishes the normalcy of Maple Street before disturbance.
Conflict arises when Tommy's story about aliens influences the community's paranoia.
Rising action includes escalating accusations and the build-up to violence.
Climax occurs when Charlie shoots Van Horn, revealing the height of chaos and mistrust.
Falling action shows the culmination of hysteria, turning suspicion towards Tommy.
Resolution reveals that humans' irrational fears, not aliens, are the real monsters.

Conflicts

Man vs. Society: Steve Brand maintains rationality against societal hysteria.
Man vs. Self: Charlie grapples with his own fears, leading to tragic decisions.
Man vs. Man: Paranoia drives neighbors to turn on each other over unfounded accusations.

Literary Techniques

Metaphor: Compares Maple Street to an asylum, highlighting chaos.
Similes: Used to enhance descriptions, such as comparing gaping mouths to fish.
Onomatopoeia: Employs sound imitation, like "whoosh" for dramatic effect.
Personification: Attributes human qualities to concepts, like prejudice being "dull" and "blind."

Key Characters

Tommy: Young boy who introduces the idea of aliens and escalates paranoia.
Les Goodman: Accused because of his car's strange behavior.
Pete Van Horn: Shot upon returning, his actions misinterpreted by the mob.
Steve Brand: Logical voice in the chaos, representing reason amidst panic.
Charlie: Represents the most paranoid individual, exemplifying the dangers of fear.

Important Quotes and Definitions

Flustered: Describes the state of nervousness or confusion among neighbors.
Metamorphosis: Indicates a change of form or nature, reflecting societal transformation.
Defiant: Describes attitudes of characters resisting the mob mentality.

Conclusions

The story illustrates how fear and suspicion transform a peaceful community into chaos.
It serves as a commentary on human nature, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and understanding among individuals.

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Test your knowledge of 'The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street' with these flashcards. Explore the setting, unusual occurrences, and character theories that unfold in this intriguing tale. Perfect for anyone studying this classic story!