“If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other cause for prejudice by noon.”--George Aiken

 

 

7th Grade English                                                                                                Name____________________

“The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street,” by Rod Serling—Page 355

Review Questions—Answer on full-sized line paper, please.

 

 

A. Plot (Answer all five questions.)

 

1.   What was the FIRST strange event on Maple Street?

2.   What did Tommy suggest was happening?  Why does he have this idea?

3.   What event starts the neighbors blaming and suspecting each other?

4.   What happens when the neighbors see a dark figure walking toward them near the end?

5.   Who or what is actually responsible for initially setting the events in motion on Maple Street?

 

 

“Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices—just recognize them.”--Edward R. Murrow

 

A. Thinking (Answer all five questions.)

 

1.   Who are the “monsters of Maple Street”?

2.   Are the aliens correct in their judgment of human behavior?  Tell why or why not.

3.   This teleplay shows what happens when a crowd becomes a mob.  How does being in a crowd change the way people behave?  What other examples from real life can you think of (examples of “mob mentality”)?

4.   What is the main theme of this teleplay, related to prejudice, tolerance, or intolerance?

5.   In what ways does this teleplay criticize human beings and human nature?  Or does it more criticize the lives and society of the United States, not all humans?

 

“Opinions founded on prejudice are always sustained with the greatest of violence.”--Francis Jeffrey

 

 

B. Creative Expression (Pick TWO to complete.)

 

1.   Using artistic skill and neatness, present a shortened form of “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” as a comic strip or comic book.  You don’t need to present all the dialogue, or all the plot, but a single scene or selections.

 

2.   Create a list of five songs that contain themes or ideas similar to those in “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.”  Give some sample lyrics with the titles, and explain why you chose these five songs.

 

3.   Write your thoughts/opinions about the possibility that earth has seen visits—or will some day see visits—by intelligent beings from other planets.  If so, describe whether the contact may be peaceful, or hostile.  You may do this in the form of a creative story, or as an essay.

 

4.   Creatively write or describe the trial of Charlie for the death of Pete Van Horn.  What would his defense attorney say?  What would the prosecutor say?  What would the jury decide?

 

5.   Continue the teleplay…into the next day…or into the next few weeks…or years later, when the aliens have taken control… Write in teleplay style.  Write at least 1½ to 2 pages.