journal in the story you are about to read, the main character finds himself in a hair-raising...
TRANSCRIPT
Journal
In the story you are about to read, the main character finds himself
in a hair-raising situation. Think of a time when you felt most
paralyzed by fear. Where were you and what happened?
1
To note:
The story’s events occur over a period of minutes. Time
how long it takes you to read the story. Then, determine if reading the story takes more or less time than the story’s
events do.5
Pre-Reading Survey
1. Have you ever used a typewriter?
2. Have you ever used carbon paper?
3. Have you ever had one copy of a document that cannot be replaced?
4. Does knowing there’s a copy of your documents on the hard drive reassure you?
Imagine how Tom will feel in this short story. 6
Pre-Reading Discussion
• How many of you have been in a skyscraper?
• Have you been to a famous one?
• Are you afraid of heights or get vertigo?
7
Literary DeviceSuspense – What is the definition in your own words.
Setting – Is the setting pertinent if it all takes place in the same location over just a short period of time?
Imagery – How important is imagery to literature? Lexington Avenue and Chrysler
Building
8
During Reading Activity
Draw/sketch elements of the scene on your paper.
1. How many stories above the ground is Tom’s apartment?
2. How far below the window is the ledge?
3. How many yards are there between the window and the yellow paper?
4. How wide is the ledge?5. What size is the finger
hold?New York City Public Library
Fifth Avenue
9
During Reading Activity
Tom’s wife is at the Loews Theater down the street. As he is standing on the ledge, notice
that he begins to view himself as if he is “in a movie.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Write a note on your paper each time Tom sees himself from a “in movie-like scenario” instead of
focusing on the deadly risk he is taking. For example, if he sees
himself falling to his death, write that down. 10
Post-Reading
What do you think about the story’s ending? Did you think it was –
-predictable?-disappointing? -abrupt? -heartwarming?
Why? Write your opinion and include details from the story for support. Then we will discuss!
11