Character
Martin — basic sketch
Twelve years old, Scared of elevators
Alienated child, Genuine fears
Desire to please his father
What is the central theme?
Fear and anxiety
Title — Literal
the main space
fear of confined space
claustrophobia
"pudgy"
chubby
Father — basic sketch
Has parental expectations
Impatient
Inconsiderate
Comment on parental expectations
father's expectations
sexist
contribute to M's turmoil
Setting - 4 points
The building
elevator
staircase
apartment
"waddle"
walk slowly with a clumsy, swaying motion
Lady — sketch
somewhat sinister
has in explicable knowledge
Comment on M's isolation
is physical and emotional
reflected in his solo journeys, solitary struggles and absence of others
Role of the setting
more than a mere backdrop
instrumental in developing the story's mood and M's emotional state
fear of confined space
claustrophobia
Martin — analytical sketch
low self-esteem
perceived cowardice
introspective and self-aware
challenges anxieties
The Unseen and Unknown
The lady becomes a symbol of this, contributing to the eerie and mysterious
Ending
Open-ended
Adds to the suspenceInvites speculation
synonym for mind or mental state (6 letters)
psyche
Father — analytical sketch
emotionally distant
dismissive
contributes to M's isolation and anxiety
lack of understanding
Comment on the theme of powerlessness
visible when in the elevator, encounter with the lady and relationship with father
About the Author
American author, 1945 — 2011
Speculative fiction, for young adults
Descriptive precision
Author's Name
William Sleator