Biography jackson shirley short story charles

1948 short story by Shirley Jackson

"Charles" is a short story by Shirley Jackson, first published in Mademoiselle in July 1948.

It was later included in her 1949 collection, The Lottery and Other Stories, and her 1953 novel, Life Among the Savages.

Plot summary

A mother laments that her son, Laurie, is growing up as he begins attending kindergarten.

She notes changes in his behavior: He does not want to wear corduroy overalls anymore, no longer waves goodbye to her, slams the door when he comes home, and speaks insolently to his father.

Biography jackson shirley short story charles

During lunchtime conversations, Laurie begins telling his parents about an ill-behaved boy in his class named Charles, who frequently misbehaves. Though fascinated by the boy, the mother wonders if Charles' bad influence is responsible for Laurie misbehaving.

On some days, Laurie arrives home late and says that the teacher kept the whole class aft