Making Inferences
What can you infer about Billy's feelings when he first arrives in Bath?
He is excited but also a bit anxious about being in a new place.
What does the description of the house in "The Landlady" tell you about its current state?
The house is neglected, suggesting it may not be a safe or comfortable place.
What is the main conflict in "The Landlady"?
The conflict is between Billy's desire for a comfortable stay and the unsettling nature of the landlady.
Cite a piece of evidence that shows Billy's initial feelings about the boarding house.
Billy thinks of "watery cabbage" and "rapacious landladies," indicating his apprehension.
What textual evidence shows Billy's naivety?
He feels drawn to the landlady's home despite his fears about boarding houses.
At the beginning of his stay, why might Billy think the landlady seems overly eager to have him stay at her home?
She might feel lonely or simply enjoy having company.
How does the character's background knowledge influence her decisions in "If Cornered Scream"?
She recalls safety lectures, which makes her more cautious during her drive home.
How does the author use imagery to describe the gas station in "If Cornered Scream"?
The dim light and isolation create an eerie atmosphere that builds suspense.
What evidence suggests that the landlady is not entirely trustworthy?
She insists on being "choosy" about her guests, hinting at a hidden agenda.
Cite evidence that illustrates the setting's impact on the character's decisions in "The Landlady"
The cold, dark night prompts Billy to seek shelter quickly, affecting his judgement.
From the text, what can you infer about Billy's past experiences with boarding houses?
He is slightly frightened of them, suggesting he has heard negative stories.
What inference can you make about the relationship between Billy and the landlady?
The landlady seems overly familiar, which makes Billy uncomfortable.
What themes can be identified in both texts?
Themes of trust and deception are evident, as characters navigate their perceptions of safety.
Provide evidence from "If Cornered Scream" that illustrates the character's anxiety.
The character grips the steering wheel tightly, showing her stress while driving.
How does the author use sensory details to enhance the story "The Landlady"?
Descriptions of the cold wind and the cozy fire create a stark contrast in "The Landlady."
Why does the landlady mention her previous guests in a way that makes Billy uneasy?
She seems to have a peculiar attachment to them, hinting at something unsettling.
What does the dog's behavior suggest about the landlady's character in "The Landlady"?
The dog is still, hinting that something might be wrong or that the landlady is not who she seems.
How does the structure of "The Landlady" contribute to its suspense?
The gradual reveal of the landlady's true nature creates tension and keeps readers guessing.
How does the author use dialogue to reveal character intentions in "The Landlady"?
The landlady's overly friendly demeanor contrasts with the unsettling details she provides.
Provide evidence that shows the theme of deception in "If Cornered Scream."
Gabriel's friendly demeanor masks his true intentions, highlighting the theme of deception.
How does the setting of the gas station contribute to the tension in "If Cornered Scream"?
It is isolated and dark, creating a sense of danger and vulnerability for the character.
How does the character's reaction to Gabriel’s actions reveal her emotional state?
Her inability to scream shows she is in shock and feels trapped.
Analyze how the characters in both texts react to their environments.
Their reactions show their emotional states and highlight the dangers they face.
Cite evidence that indicates a turning point in "If Cornered Scream."
Gabriel pulls out a gun, shifting the situation from mundane to life-threatening.
What evidence shows a character's growth or change in either text?
The character in "If Cornered Scream" learns to be more cautious after her encounter with Gabriel.