Character Analysis: Mr. Appleby and the Girl

The girl distracts Mr. Appleby by pointing out the size and scale of the items around him, specifically the photographs and furniture.

He hesitates due to a combination of being surprised and wanting to avoid making a scene.

The girl's red hair, pale skin, strange eyes, and her unusual mannerisms indicate her distinct appearance and personality.

<p>The girl uses intimidation tactics, such as a countdown timer and threats of aggression, while also attempting to distract him with offers of food and drink.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This remark suggests that she isn't just acting erratically but is also a cunning planner and can control her actions and reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her blunt refusal highlights a dismissive and disrespectful attitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Appleby wants to avoid causing commotion, which indicates a desire to protect the bank's reputation, his own position, or avoid personal danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The mention of Eric, who is described as 'calm and big,' suggests that Mr. Appleby prioritizes the bank's security and safety over trying to understand or reason with the girl.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Appleby is initially very fearful and apprehensive. This is evident from his flinching backwards in his chair and dropping the gun on the desk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The girl demands that Mr. Appleby open the safe and give her the cash reserve. She enforces her demand by pointing a gun at him and setting a timer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Appleby feels sick at heart and miserable. He feels vulnerable and betrayed, showcasing his attachment to wealth and security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Appleby believes the girl will be caught because he claims they have trackers and that the 'Faith House' operatives will hunt her down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The girl's statement reveals her identity as a powerful outlaw or rebel figure, similar to the infamous Jane Oakley and Jenny Blackwood. This statement unsettles Mr. Appleby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Petersen's presence represents a potential ally or witness to the robbery. Her presence could bring about intervention or support for Mr. Appleby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The militiaman's arrival suggests that Mr. Appleby has alerted the authorities. This may signify the possibility of immediate intervention and potentially the girl's arrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett's objective is to escape with the stolen money and reach the safe-lands of Stow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The excerpt creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, characterized by fear, confrontation, and a sense of impending danger. This is evident through Mr. Appleby's fear, the girl's bold actions, and the potential for a dangerous standoff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett is unconcerned about the chase and confident in her ability to evade them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The environment becomes increasingly wild, with thickets, fallen branches, and a sour smell of ash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This meadow represents a place of past suffering and a reminder of the harsh realities of the world Scarlett lives in.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She uses a compass to maintain a north-east direction and avoids roads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She becomes more assured and less careful, even leaving a trail behind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She is familiar with the woods and comfortable spending a night there.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'dead zone' suggests a place that's been ravaged by some event, possibly fire or disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The boy is described as being stiff, cramped, and shaking badly. He mentions being 'wedged beside the toilet,' 'rolled down the hill,' and enduring the sounds of 'biting, scratching, and howling.' These details suggest he has been physically injured, possibly from the crash, and mentally traumatized by the events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett initially shows impatience and annoyance. She calls the boy 'crazy' and seems eager to be rid of him. This reveals a sense of self-preservation and perhaps a lack of empathy, as she prioritizes her own safety and escape over caring for someone in distress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The boy's question suggests that he witnessed a violent encounter involving a limping man and a woman with black eyes. The fact that he remembers them specifically and expresses fear of meeting the woman suggests an emotionally impactful and possibly dangerous situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett dismisses the boy's question as irrelevant and insists that everyone is dead. This suggests that she is in denial about the true threat posed by the unidentified characters and her own vulnerability in the dangerous situation. She may be trying to protect herself emotionally by simplifying the reality of the encounter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett warns the boy about encountering animals like wolves, bears, and dire-foxes, as well as the Tainted, which is described as 'even worse.' These warnings emphasize the immediate threat of the natural environment and the possibility of encountering unknown, potentially supernatural creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The boy describes the bus as 'cramped,' 'dark,' and 'uncomfortable.' He mentions the water and the slant, suggesting the vehicle had been severely damaged. This description paints a vivid picture of the harsh environment and the physical struggles he endured during his ordeal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett and the boy seem to have a strained and possibly adversarial relationship. Scarlett's impatient and dismissive attitude suggests a lack of concern for his well-being. The boy, in turn, seems wary of Scarlett and expresses fear of her at times. These interactions suggest that they do not trust each other and their relationship is more likely to be characterized by suspicion and tension than empathy and understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett's urgency to leave the bus can be attributed to a combination of fear and self-preservation. She is aware of the dangers lurking outside, and her primary concern seems to be her own safety. This explains her impatient behavior towards the boy and her desire to escape the immediate situation quickly. Her focus on survival overshadows any concern for the boy's well-being, highlighting the potential costs of prioritizing personal safety in a dangerous environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett eliminates a threat, allowing her to advance while reducing the gunfire intensity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She waits for him to reach sunlight before choosing to shoot again, ensuring he has a better chance of escaping.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She feels the brightness stung her eyes and notices the steep slope leading down to the river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She seeks to escape potential retaliation, prioritizing her safety as she presses on.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The river is deep and fast-flowing, suggesting both a barrier and an escape route for Scarlett.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She feels a mix of relief and urgency, recognizing he is still there but in a precarious position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her ability to adjust her aim and fire again shows her increasing confidence and skill in combat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She experiences a mix of adrenaline and determination, driven by her need to ensure the boy's safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The excerpt takes place inside a crashed bus, likely on the outskirts of a town or city, as there are no people within six miles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett is initially indifferent to the boy's plight and is more interested in her own safety. She considers leaving him to be eaten and is tempted to abandon him completely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The boy's feeble voice, slow movements, and difficulty in climbing suggest he is injured and possibly weak. His calm demeanor and lack of concern about his injuries hint at a possible lack of understanding of the danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The irony lies in Scarlett's comparison of the boy's slow movement to a corpse. While intending to be sarcastic, she ironically highlights the boy's fragility and the fact that he is, in fact, alive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The contrast between the boy's youthful, unlined skin and his calm contemplation in such a dangerous situation suggests he may be naive or have an underdeveloped understanding of the gravity of their circumstance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett feels a mixture of annoyance and apathy towards the boy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scarlett is torn between her desire to escape the dangerous situation and her sense of responsibility to help the vulnerable boy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An act of stealing money from a bank under threat.

The bank manager confronted by the girl.

Casual and confident, despite the situation.

The ultimatum given by the girl to Mr. Appleby.

Mr. Appleby offers tea in a tense situation.

Attributes that suggest the girl is out of the ordinary.

Furniture from Mr. Appleby's family history.

A hidden mechanism to signal for help.

The boy shows signs of weakness and pain after being trapped.

Scarlett urges the boy to leave the uncomfortable space quickly.

The boy expresses fear of encountering dangers outside.

Scarlett informs the boy that everyone else is dead.

The boy exhibits signs of distress and caution.

The boy is described as tall, but frail and weak.

A potentially worse threat than the animals outside.

The boy was trapped in a small, uncomfortable area.

Groups fanning out to find someone or something.

A military force composed of ordinary citizens.

Firearms designed for accurate shooting at long ranges.

Optical instruments for viewing distant objects.

An instrument for determining direction, typically with a magnetic needle.

An area devoid of life or activity, often dangerous.

A deep, reflective sadness or gloom.

Routes associated with a specific geographical location.

Scarlett decides between helping the boy or leaving him behind.

Scarlett expresses impatience with the boy's slow progress.

Scarlett helps the boy climb out of a hole to safety.

The boy remains calm despite the dangerous situation.

Scarlett physically supports the boy to help him climb up.

Scarlett fantasizes about the boy disappearing into the trees.

The light signifies hope and a way out.

Scarlett shoots a man hiding behind cover, demonstrating her accuracy.

Scarlett experiences a lighter volley of fire after shooting.

Scarlett aims at a tracker, hitting his hat but unsure of the injury.

Scarlett swiftly dodges through the forest to evade gunfire.

Scarlett notices a river at the edge of a steep slope.

Scarlett lands on a soft bed of pine needles while escaping.

Scarlett runs towards the bright sunlight after leaving the trees.

Mr. Appleby shows fear when confronted by the girl with a gun.

Mr. Appleby turns the dial and inputs his grandfather’s code to open a safe.

The safe contains the bank's cash reserve, wrapped in fifty-pound notes.

The girl orders Mr. Appleby to put the cash into her bag.

Mr. Appleby expresses hatred for the chaos outside the Surviving Towns.

The girl mentions notorious figures, implying they are dangerous outlaws.

The girl reveals she embodies the notorious qualities of the mentioned outlaws.

Miss Petersen arrives at a tense moment with a militiaman.