Name _________________________________________ Date: ________________

The Catbird Seat

1. Thurber’s tone is set forth in the first two paragraphs of the story. How would you describe it? Why? Show an example to prove it.

2. What is Martin’s job? Is he successful at it? How do you know? Quote the line that shows this.

3. Why does Martin dislike Mrs. Barrows?

4. Does he feel threatened by her? If so, discuss.

5. For what does his employer especially commend Martin?

6. What does Martin mean when he says that he couldn’t “rub out” Mrs. Barrows, he would have to place “the rubbing-out of Ulgine Barrows in the inactive file forever”?

7. What is Martin’s scheme when he goes to visit Mrs. Barrows’ apartment?

8. What actually happens, and what does Martin realize during their visit?

9. What comment does he make as he leaves?

10. What does his comment come to mean in terms of the story’s outcome? Explain.

11. What does “sitting in the catbird seat” mean”

12. What sport are the phrases and terms drawn from?