Shirley Jackson's Short Story 'Charles'

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When children’s needs are not fulfilled, they will do anything in their power to gain attention. Shirley Jackson wrote a short story, “Charles” about a young boy who was faced with a new level of challenges. In the 1950’s, Kindergarten was a major adjustment for both Laurie and his family. It was Laurie’s chance to learn to interact with others. Additionally, Laurie had to adapt to divided attention between his baby sister and himself. It is implied that Laurie’s newborn sister required a higher level of acknowledgment. Laurie strove for more attention than what he was receiving. In, Laurie pursued to seek attention in an inappropriate way by acting in a disobedient and inconsiderate manner. At school, Laurie thought that if he was disruptive