"The Catbird Seat" Study Questions

Getting the facts:

1. ____ Martin is a smoker.
2. ____ Martin usually drinks milk.
3. ____ Martin regularly drinks Scotch and soda.
4. ____ The term, “rub out” is a figurative term meaning to kill.
5. ____ No one believes Ms. Barrow story about Martin’s late night visit to her apartment.

Interpreting the Story:

In complete sentences, respond to the following writing prompts. Use paragraph formatting that clearly states your purpose – (look to the prompt for the purpose):

1.    Contrast the characters of Mrs. Barrows and Mr. Martin. Use words relevant to a study of character. Protagonist, antagonist, flat, round, static, dynamic …

2.    What is Thurber’s purpose in writing the story, “the Catbird Seat”?

3.    Identify the central irony of the story and explain how Thurber captures this irony.