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Chapter 1 13

The novel is set in a small Midwestern town during late October, creating a mysterious atmosphere as two main characters, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, are introduced with contrasting personalities. A lightning-rod salesman warns the boys of an impending storm, symbolizing the arrival of danger and evil, while the boys sense something unsettling in the air. Key themes of good vs. evil, curiosity, and the tension of growing up are introduced, alongside important symbols like the storm and the lightning rod.

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6 views5 pages

Chapter 1 13

The novel is set in a small Midwestern town during late October, creating a mysterious atmosphere as two main characters, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, are introduced with contrasting personalities. A lightning-rod salesman warns the boys of an impending storm, symbolizing the arrival of danger and evil, while the boys sense something unsettling in the air. Key themes of good vs. evil, curiosity, and the tension of growing up are introduced, alongside important symbols like the storm and the lightning rod.

Uploaded by

pmahi2303
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sections 1–5 Summary (Pages 1–13)

Introduction and Setting


The novel begins in a small Midwestern town during late October, just before
Halloween. The atmosphere is mysterious and slightly unsettling. The wind, the
changing weather, and the quietness of the town create a sense of something unusual
approaching.

Main Characters Introduced


We are introduced to the two main characters:

• Will Halloway – careful, thoughtful, and kind-hearted.


• Jim Nightshade – adventurous, daring, and curious about darker things.

They are both 13 years old and born minutes apart, but their personalities are very
different. Will is more cautious, while Jim is drawn to the unknown.

The Lightning-Rod Salesman


A stranger comes into town—a lightning-rod salesman. He warns the boys that a storm
is coming and gives Jim a lightning rod to protect his house. This storm is not just a
weather event, but a symbol of something darker and more dangerous arriving in town.

Strange Feelings and Warnings


The boys begin to sense that something is not quite right. There is a feeling of tension in
the air. Adults in town behave differently, and strange signs start to appear, all hinting at
an approaching change or danger.

Important Themes Introduced

• Good vs. Evil


• Curiosity and Temptation
• Growing Up and Innocence
• Friendship and Loyalty

Important Quotes

1. “Two boys. One light, one dark.”


– This line introduces the contrast between Will and Jim and foreshadows the
choices each will face.
2. “Something wicked this way comes.”
– A key quote from the novel’s title, borrowed from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It
signals that evil is approaching.
3. “The trouble with Jim was, he looked at the world and wanted to be older,
sooner.”
– This shows Jim’s desire to grow up quickly, which later makes him more
vulnerable to the carnival’s temptations.

Symbolism

• The Storm: The storm represents more than just weather—it symbolizes danger,
change, and the arrival of evil.
• The Lightning Rod: It acts as a warning and a form of protection, suggesting that
something harmful is on its way.

QUESTIONS

1. Who are the two boys we meet at the start of the story? How are they different
from each other?
2. What time of year does the story take place? How does the weather make the
story feel?
3. Who is the strange man that comes to town, and what does he give Jim?
4. What does the lightning-rod man warn the boys about?
5. What do Will and Jim do with the lightning rod? How does each boy feel about
using it?
6. The story says: “Two boys. One light, one dark.” What does this mean about Will
and Jim?
7. What do you think the storm in the story really means or stands for?
8. What do you think the sentence “Something wicked this way comes” is trying to
tell the reader?
9. Why do you think Jim wants to grow up faster than Will? What does this tell us
about his character?
10. How does the writer use the town and the weather to make the story feel scary or
tense at the beginning?
23 April 2025
NOVEL QUESTIONS

1. Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade who are friends but have contrasting personalities. Will is
cautious , thoughtful and kind hearted but Jim is adventurous , daring and curious about dark things.

2. It takes place on the near end of October , around Halloween. The windy and chilly weather adds
to the horror genre of the novel.

3. The strange man is the lightning rod salesmen. He gives Jim a lightning rod for his house.

4. He warns Jim that there is a storm coming and this rod can be used to protect his house.

5. They put the lighting rod on Jim’s roof and Will is hesitant but Jim is excited and rather curious.

6. It refers to Will’s cautious nature (light) and Jim’s adventurous and curiosity about dark things
(dark) , showing contrasting personalities

7. The storm can symbolize upcoming danger.

8. It suggests the arrival of something dangerous that can affect the town.

9. Jim wants to grow up faster because he want to go on adventures , showing bravery and curiosity.

10. The quiet , small , cold town and on top of it being October adds a sense of horror and
creepiness, hinting and creating tension.
CHAPTER 1-5 (CORRECTIONS)

1. Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade. Will is more careful, while Jim takes more
risks.
2. It happens in late October. The cold and wind make the story feel spooky.
3. A lightning-rod salesman. He gives Jim a rod to protect the house.
4. He warns them a dangerous storm is on the way.
5. They put it on Jim’s roof. Will feels it’s smart, but Jim is more excited about the
danger.
6. It means Will is kind and careful, while Jim is wild and curious.
7. The storm could mean something bad or scary is coming.
8. It means evil is on its way.
9. Jim is curious about being older. It shows he’s not happy being a kid.
10. The quiet town and stormy weather make everything feel tense and scary.

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