65 pages 2 hours read

G. K. Chesterton

The Man Who Was Thursday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908

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During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-4

Reading Check

1. How should Saffron Park be “regarded”?

2. What is located under the “beershop”?

3. What is the moniker of the President of the Central Anarchist Council?

4. What are two phrases used to describe the “dangerous criminal”?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Syme accuse Gregory of? What is Gregory’s response?

2. What are Syme’s two questions for Gregory? How does Gregory answer these inquiries?

3. Why does Syme say to Gregory that they have “checkmated each other”? Describe the outcome of this “checkmate.”

4. Compare and contrast the main argument in Gregory and Syme’s orations. What is the outcome of both of these speeches?

5. Summarize Syme’s conversation with the policeman on Embankment. What is the result of this conversation?

Paired Resources

A Brief History of Scotland Yard

  • Read Smithsonian Magazine’s 2007 article on the history of the London law enforcement.
  • The article connects to the theme Identity and Disguise.
  • Based on the text as well as the above resource, what was the purpose of Scotland Yard in upholding law and order in London?