Test: The Night the Ghost Got in - Class 8 MCQ

The chaos begins when the narrator hears strange footsteps circling the dining room. This sound leads to a series of misunderstandings and reactions from the characters, creating a humorous and chaotic situation. The initial assumption of the footsteps being a burglar escalates the events of the night, showcasing how simple occurrences can lead to exaggerated fears.

Herman reacts to the strange noises with fear and chooses to hide in his room. This response highlights his timid nature and sets the stage for the ensuing panic, illustrating how fear can lead individuals to seek safety rather than confront the unknown.

Grandfather mistakes the policemen for deserters from General Meade's army, reflecting his fixation on Civil War memories. This misunderstanding adds to the humor of the situation as he reacts aggressively, showing how misinterpretations can lead to comical outcomes.

The mother throws a shoe through the neighbor's window to get Mr. Bodwell's attention, showcasing her panic and resourcefulness in a chaotic situation. This unconventional method of communication emphasizes the urgency of her perceived threat, contributing to the story's humor.

The main theme revolves around fear and misunderstanding in everyday life. The story illustrates how a simple sound can escalate into a night of chaos due to the characters' overreactions and assumptions, reflecting the human tendency to let fear exaggerate situations.

By morning, the chaos subsides, and everything is calm again. Grandfather even joins breakfast cheerfully, which highlights the absurdity of the previous night's events and emphasizes the resilience of family life amidst confusion and fear.

The police retreat in panic when Grandfather mistakes them for deserters and reacts aggressively. This reaction showcases the humorous twist of the narrative, where those who are supposed to maintain order become the ones who are frightened, creating an ironic situation.

The narrator feels embarrassed to be standing in only a towel while the police and reporters search the house. This detail adds to the comedic element of the story, highlighting the absurdity of the situation as he finds himself in a vulnerable position during the chaos.

James Thurber is best known for his use of satire and humor in his writing. His ability to blend witty observations with everyday situations creates engaging narratives that resonate with readers, as seen in “The Night the Ghost Got In,” which combines humor with themes of confusion and family life.

Thurber conveys that responding to fear with humor and light-heartedness can help alleviate the stress of chaotic situations. By illustrating how misunderstandings can spiral out of control, the story encourages readers to adopt a more relaxed perspective on life’s absurdities, suggesting that laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating confusion.