Plot Structure
The part of the plot where the tension builds and the problem/topic is introduced
What is the Inciting Incident
This character from our short stories would be an example of a Round, Dynamic character.
Who is Waverly Jong from "Rules of The Game."
If a character struggles with an internal fear or worry, it would be this type of conflict
What is Character vs. Self
Which of the following is a symbol in "The Elevator"?
A) the elevator
B) the Fat Lady
C) the stairs
D) all of the above
What is D) All of the above
The elevator: psychological confinement; anxiety
The Fat Lady: inescapable fears; paranoia, dread
The Stairs: a potential escape of fear (false hope)
This Point of View would use the following pronouns:
I, Me, My, We
What is First Person Point of View
The highest point of tension in the story
What is the Climax
In the story "The Elevator," Martin would would be what type of character:
(Flat/Round; Static/Dynamic)
What is Round and Static
(He is well-developed, but never changes)
"'I love being stuck in traffic for hours,' Nancy said while tapping her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel," is an example of what type of irony?
What is Verbal Irony
The telephone in "Sorry, Wrong Number" would be a symbol representing this
What is Mrs. Stevenson's safety/security/only connection to the outside world and/or her dependence on others to help her
This Point of View uses the following pronouns:
He/Him/His, She/Her/Hers, They/Them, (Name)
What is Third Person Point of View
Identify the CLIMAX in ALL THREE stories we read in class ("SWN," "ROTG," "The Elevator")
What are:
SWN: Hearing the man in her house pick up the phone receiver downstairs in her kitchen
ROTG: Standing up to/disobeying her mother in the market and expressing her discomfort of being shown off
Elevator: The Fat Lady saying "Hello, Martin," and pressing the "stop" button on the elevator
Which two characters have a similar character type?
Mrs. Stevenson (SWN)
Waverly (ROTG)
Martin (The Elevator)
What is Mrs. Stevenson & Martin.
Neither character changes by the end of their story, making both main characters STATIC.
In "Sorry, Wrong Number," readers could infer that Mrs. Stevenson was the intended murder victim before she knew it was her.
This would be an example of:
What is Dramatic Irony
Which of the three stories would the following universal theme statement work for: "Fear can be a powerful, protective force against danger, but can also lead to paralysis and irrational decisions if allowed to take control."
What are "The Elevator," by William Sleator and "Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher
It was an old building with an old elevator – a very small elevator, which could carry only three people. Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment. Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls. Perhaps it was because of the door, which never stayed open long enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise. Perhaps it was the way the elevator shuddered each time it left a floor, as if it was exhausted. Maybe it was simply too small. It seemed crowded even with only two people in it.
List all the senses this imagery evokes.
What is sight, (poor lighting/dirty walls); sound, (slammed with loud clanging noise); and touch, (elevator shuddered).
(No smell or taste)
How does the setting affect the character and/or plot in "Sorry, Wrong Number"?
What is:
Mrs. Stevenson is alone, late at night, and can't reach her husband via phone. She is trapped in bed and cannot get anyone to help her using only her telephone. She lives in a busy city near a train that will drown out her scream.
This would be an example of what TYPE of characterization:
"'What are you doing? You're not getting off, are you?' [Martin] asked him, trying not to sound panicky.
... 'Let me go with you. I want to visit her, too,' Martin pleaded, struggling forward on his crutches," (Sleator 7).
Indirect Characterization
using S (speech) [STEAL]
In "Rules of The Game," Waverly tries to meet expectations for both her family's Chinese culture and American culture. This would be an example of what type of conflict?
What is Character vs. Society
The game of chess in "Rules of The Game" would be a symbol for this
What is the strategic power struggle between Waverly and her mother (character vs. character conflict)
This Point of View is ALL-KNOWING and can follow any character and have insight on everyone
What is Third Person Omniscient
Identify the Inciting Incident in ALL THREE stories we read in class. ("Sorry, Wrong Number," "Rules of The Game" and "The Elevator")
What are
SWN - Mrs. Stevenson overhearing the murder plot phone call
ROTG - Vincent receiving/selecting the Chess Board gift from the Christmas church party
Elevator - Martin encountering "The Fat Lady" for the first time on the elevator
Use an adjective that best indirectly characterizes the boy in the following excerpt:
He has a sparkle in his eyes that warns of trouble before it starts. Rules seem to slide right past him, as he’s always testing boundaries with a grin.
What is mischievous
(or a synonym)
Identify an example of Situational Irony in "The Elevator," by William Sleator.
What is when Martin is so afraid of the elevator that he takes the stairs, but falls and injures his leg. Now on crutches, he is forced to use the elevator he is afraid of.
What are "Invisible Strength" and "the wind" symbolic for in "Rules of The Game?"
What are ways for Waverly to navigate her tense relationship and argument(s) with her mother.
Identify the P.O.V. used here:
"She had to be crazy. Why else would she stare at him this way? What was she going to do next?
She did nothing. She only watched him, breathing audibly, until the elevator reached the first floor at last. Martin would have rushed past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as she turned-- reluctantly, it seemed to him-- and moved so slowly out into the lobby," (Sleator 3).
What is Third Person
LIMITED