Connect to the Literature

1. What Do You Think?

What is your reaction to the fear and confusion on Maple Street?

Comprehension Check

When do people first sense

something is wrong? Why is Pete Van Horn killed?

Who are the most dangerous enemies of human beings?

Think Critically

2. In your opinion, who are the monsters on Maple Street referred to in the title? Give reasons for your answer.

3. Do you think the aliens are correct in their judgment of human behavior? Explain your answer.

4. After the crowd turns on him, why does Charlie accuse someone else of being the monster? What evidence does he have?

5. Why do you think the author chose Maple Street as the setting of this teleplay?

Think About:

the children playing along the street

the peacefulness of the street

the fact that the houses all look alike

6. ACTIVE READING AUTHOR'S PURPOSE

Have you identified the author's purpose? Compare the list of details in your READER'S NOTEBOOK with a classmate's list. Discuss what some possible themes might be, and the different purposes Serling might have had as he wrote.

Extend Interpretations

7. What If? What if the story, instead of being told by someone offstage, were told from the point of view of Charlie? How would Charlie defend his actions?

8. Connect to Life This teleplay shows what can happen when a crowd becomes a mob. How does being in a crowd change the way people act? What other examples of "mob mentality" have you heard about?