Shirley Jackson composed the story of “Charles”, which she wrote about her son Laurie’s unsatisfactory attitude and misbehavior in his new kindergarten class. Laurie attempted to seek attention from his parents; as well as his kindergarten teacher, by acting out in a negative manner. Laurie was a new kindergarten student and he was an older brother to an infant sister. “Charles” occurred in the 1950’s at the home of Laurie, the school, and the kindergarten class. Charles had evolved into a nuisance and was an instigator within the kindergarten class. Although Laurie appeared to be a captivating child, he was far from that.
Laurie was a conventional kindergarten student in that he wanted to be older than he actually was. Laurie desired to be more mature than the other children in his kindergarten class. On the first day of kindergarten, Laurie “ began to wear blue jeans with a belt”; in addition, he “renounced corduroy overalls with bibs” (Jackson 345) to show that his maturity was now more than adequate. Laurie perceived kindergarten to be a new era and remade himself to be a more mature individual. Laurie changed the maturity of his attitude, not just his appearance. Even though Laurie appeared to exclusively change his attire, Laurie additionally changed multiple aspects of his personality.
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Laurie became more discourteous towards his parents, his kindergarten teacher, and other people. After Laurie returned home from school, he “left, while his father was still” speaking to him; furthermore, he “spoke insolently to his father” (345) which showed that he was apathetic towards what his father had to say. Laurie’s apathy was surprising to his parents. Laurie's parents believed that his behavior was just Charles’ lamentable attitude. Consequently, Laurie’s parents did not attempt to discipline him for this outlandish attitude and