The Landlady
Who is the main character in "The Landlady" and what do we know about him?
Billy Weaver: A young, naive 17-year-old on a business trip from London.
What event is the catalyst that creates the initial fear and confusion on Maple Street? What type of conflict is this?
Man vs. Technology (The inciting incident): The sudden failure of all power/machines (cars, phones, lights) is the catalyst that creates the initial fear and confusion.
A radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot, usually occurring near the end is called what?
Plot Twist
What are the two broad categories of types of conflict?
Internal and External
What does the vocabulary word "incriminate" mean?
To show the guilt of
What is the big plot twist at the end of the story? Include names!
The two previous guests, Mulholland and Temple, were not simply missing; the Landlady murdered, stuffed, and preserved them like her pets. Billy is next.
Choose the three main characters in the story, describe what they are like and what their 'role' is in the story's plot.
Steve Brand: A rational, respected voice who tries to calm the mob. Charlie: The first neighbor to suggest Tommy's idea is true; he is the most paranoid and accusatory. Tommy: The young boy who suggests the strange event is the work of aliens from a comic book. Les Goodman is the first character who falls under suspicion because his car starts when nothing else will, but he also is key in the mob accusing Charlie later on.
Hints or clues that suggest future events in the story is called what?
Foreshadowing
Define what man vs. man conflict is and provide on example from "The Monsters are due on Maple Street"
A struggle between two characters.
Steve vs. Charlie
What does the vocabulary word "defiant" mean?
Showing bold resistance to authority or an opponent
What is the setting of the story in "The Landlady"
A bed and breakfast in the English city of Bath. The setting appears cozy and inviting, but is secretly sinister.
What is the central message or theme that Rod Serling wants the reader to take away after reading the screenplay or watching the episode?
The aliens' plot is to let humanity destroy itself. The true "monsters" are human fear, suspicion, and prejudice when allowed to spiral out of control.
The feeling of anxiety, tension, or curiosity that an author creates in the reader, the anticipation of what will happen next is called what?
Suspense
Explain man vs. Society and provide one example from "The Monsters are due on Maple Street"
A struggle between a character and the rules, government, or cultural traditions of a group.
The group (mob) vs. Les Goodman
Where would we find the cast of characters in a screenplay?
At the beginning
List three key elements of foreshadowing from "The Landlady"
1. The tea tastes faintly of bitter almonds (a flavor often linked to poison). 2. She notes that Billy has "the most beautiful teeth." 3. Her previous guests are "still there" and "beautifully preserved" (the taxidermy). 4. The animals sitting around that were so inviting to Billy turn out to be stuffed.
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Society
An author could use the following techniques when trying to create WHAT in his or her story?
1. Isolation: Making the character alone or far from help. 2. Pacing: Slowing down the action when a big moment is coming. 3. Foreshadowing: Giving the reader small, subtle hints about the future.
Suspense
Explain man vs. technology and give TWO examples from "The Monsters are due on Maple Street"
A struggle between a character and a machine (a robot, malfunctioning computer, etc.).
Les Goodman or Steve trying to start their cars
Woman trying to get the telephone operator and not
BOTH isolate the street from the rest of the area.
What are the lines spoken by each character. Each line is preceded by the character's name (in all caps, bold, or italic, often with a colon or period).
Dialogue
Who is the author of "The Landlady"
Roald Dahl
What does the vocabulary word "Prejudice" mean?
An unfavorable opinion or judgement formed unfairly
Give an example of foreshadowing from "The Landlady"
The Landlady notes Billy has "the most beautiful teeth." (A clue to her taxidermy hobby).
Explain both man vs. nature and man vs. supernatural. Give an example of EACH from "The Monsters are due on Maple Street"
A struggle between a character and a force that defies natural laws (ghosts, aliens, curses, etc.).
The block vs. the aliens
The block vs. the darkness
What are words often in italics and enclosed with brackets that describe the characters' movements, tell actors how to speak, and indicate settings, props, sound effects, and lighting?
Stage Directions