Making Inferences "If Cornered, Scream"
What can you infer about the character's feelings when driving home from work at the hospital?
The character feels anxious and tense, as indicated by her gripping the steering wheel tightly.
What is the main theme of "The Landlady"?
the dangers of naivety and the unexpected consequences of seemingly benign situations.
Find a quote from "If Cornered Scream" that supports your inference about the main character's anxiety.
"She found herself gripping the steering wheel and made a conscious effort to relax."
How does the author use dialogue in "The Landlady" to reveal character traits?
The landlady's overly accommodating dialogue reveals her unsettling eagerness.
Identify a simile from "The Landlady" and explain its meaning.
"The wind was like a flat blade of ice," illustrating the harshness of the environment.
How does the character's background knowledge about safety contribute to her actions during the drive?
Her background knowledge makes her more vigilant and cautious, reflecting her anxiety about potential dangers.
How does the setting in "The Monkey's Paw" contribute to the story's mood?
The cold and dark atmosphere creates a sense of foreboding and sets the stage for the supernatural elements of the story.
Cite evidence from "The Landlady" that shows Billy's initial comfort in the new surroundings.
"The room itself... was filled with pleasant furniture."
Find an instance in "The Monkey's Paw" where the author uses foreshadowing.
"If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens."
What simile is used in "If Cornered Scream" to describe the character's feelings?
"Nausea pitched and rolled through her body like seasickness," conveying her intense fear.
Why might the character have second thoughts about stopping for gas?
She is concerned about being late and feels pressured by her schedule, which causes her to weigh the risk of running out of gas against the time it would take to stop.
What narrative techniques are used in "If Cornered Scream" to create suspense?
The author uses pacing, detailed descriptions of the character's thoughts, and unexpected twists to build tension.
Provide a quote from "The Monkey's Paw" that indicates the family's initial skepticism about the paw.
"Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps."
Cite a passage from "If Cornered Scream" that showcases the protagonist's internal conflict.
"Funny, she thought, she didn’t know why, but she was even more uptight than usual."
Find an example of personification in "The Monkey's Paw."
"The wind was howling," giving the weather a sense of menace.
What inference can you make about Gabriel’s character based on his interaction with the main character?
Gabriel appears friendly and trustworthy at first, but his later actions reveal a more complex, potentially dangerous side.
Identify a turning point in "The Landlady" and explain its significance.
The turning point is when Billy discovers the guest book; this reveals the previous guests and foreshadows the danger he is in.
What evidence can you find in "If Cornered Scream" that illustrates the build-up to the climax?
"Each night during the drive home, she relived the safety lectures given to the nurses."
Provide evidence from "The Landlady" that supports the theme of appearance versus reality.
"It looked to him as though it would be a pretty decent house to stay in."
Explain the use of allusion in "If Cornered, Scream."
Florence Nightingale refers to a nurse who helped those less fortunate - similar to the nurse in the story
How does the character's initial perception of the gas station change throughout the story?
Initially, she sees it as a routine stop, but it becomes a place of danger when Gabriel reveals his true intentions.
How does the author of "The Monkey's Paw" develop the character of Mr. White?
Mr. White is portrayed as both curious and cautious, illustrating his internal conflict about using the monkey's paw.
Cite a moment in "The Landlady" that foreshadows trouble.
"The compulsion... was extraordinarily strong."
What textual evidence from "The Monkey's Paw" highlights the theme of unintended consequences?
"The first man had his three wishes, yes... the third was for death."
What figurative language is used in "If Cornered Scream" to enhance the tension?
Similes - indicating her heightened state of anxiety and fear