A4: Thomas Kempe wants James to become his apprentice and help him continue his work — giving advice, making remedies, and interfering in people’s lives. He cannot accept that he is dead.
For students, the book offers a delightful blend of historical fiction, humor, and ghost story. However, comprehension questions often go beyond simple plot recall, demanding analysis of character development, theme, and historical context. This article provides detailed answers to the most common comprehension questions, organized by chapter clusters and thematic topics. the ghost of thomas kempe comprehension answers
What does Kempe mean when he calls James his "apprentice"? A4: Thomas Kempe wants James to become his
At the start, James is overshadowed by his siblings. By becoming the "apprentice" to Thomas Kempe, he gains a However, comprehension questions often go beyond simple plot
A: After a series of increasingly destructive events (a window smashed, a fire lit in the wrong hearth, and the ghost’s ink scrawls demanding that James “obey”), the Harrisons are desperate. James’s father is skeptical but worried; his mother is frightened. Mrs. Verity represents old rural wisdom versus modern skepticism. She diagnoses the ghost correctly without ever seeing it—she calls it a “residual haunting” of a “bossy, bad-tempered man.”
James is the middle child, stuck between his older sister, Helen (who is sensible and helpful), and his younger brother, Simon (who is noisy and demanding). James is often described as quiet, introspective, and observant. He is the "odd one out" in a busy, noisy household.
Teachers and parents often look for "comprehension answers" to accompany the 1973 Carnegie Medal-winning novel by Penelope Lively. Popular platforms offer various resources: Tes (Teaching Resources)