Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who is the author of this story?

Jack Finney

What's the exposition?

Tom Benecke works in wholesale groceries, working on a special project; he wants to be #1 and is very ambitious.

Who is Tom's wife?

Clare

What is the setting?

New York, Lexington Avenue, in an apartment; 11 stories up Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of Tom stepping outside?

The yellow piece of paper flies out of the window Signup and view all the answers

What's the rising action?

Tom climbs on the ledge and yells, hits the window, burns envelopes, drops coins, and shouts. Signup and view all the answers

What's the climax?

Tom puts his fist through the window! Signup and view all the answers

Why is when Tom puts his fist through the window the climax?

It's the climax because he could've been successful or risky; he could've fallen back and died. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do after the paper flies back out the window?

He laughs Signup and view all the answers

What's the falling action?

When Tom goes to meet his wife Signup and view all the answers

What's the denouement?

When the paper flies back out of the window; signifies he doesn't care about the paper. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom yell when he finally gets back inside? What does this symbolize?

He yells, 'Clare!' - This symbolizes realizing what's important in life, not the yellow paper, but spending time with his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author ultimately create by adding detail after detail, slowing time down for the reader?

Suspense Signup and view all the answers

Is Tom ever in conflict with his wife?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the color 'yellow' represent?

Yellow is a color of caution, symbolizing the time Tom wasted on working instead of being with his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What is a central message or insight revealed through a literary work?

Theme Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the themes from this story?

Don't take people or the important things in life for granted - You don't know what you have until you have almost lost it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a struggle within a character, such as when a character struggles with his own conscience?

Internal conflict Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of internal conflicts in this story?

Tom's home life vs. his ambition - Tom's desire to get out of a dangerous situation vs. his fear. Signup and view all the answers

What is a struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character or nature?

External conflict Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of external conflicts in this story?

Tom vs. falling (gravity) - Tom vs. cold - Tom vs. window. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author

Jack Finney is the author of "Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets."

Exposition

Tom Benecke, characterized as ambitious and hard-working, is involved in a special project in wholesale groceries, motivated to be the best.

Characters

Clare is Tom's wife, who opts to go out to the movies, highlighting his work-life balance struggles.

Setting

The story is set in an apartment on Lexington Avenue in New York, situated eleven stories above ground.

Inciting Incident

The catalyst for Tom’s precarious situation is when a crucial yellow sheet of paper containing his notes flies out the window.

Rising Action

While balancing on the ledge, Tom attempts to retrieve the paper, exhibiting panic and frustration through desperate actions such as yelling for help and throwing objects.

Climax

The climax occurs when Tom, in an intense moment of desperation, puts his fist through the window to regain access to his apartment.

Significance of Climax

This moment is critical as it represents a pivotal choice, exposing the risks Tom is willing to take for his ambitions versus the potential consequences of falling.

Resolution

After retrieving the paper, when Tom goes to meet Clare, he expresses relief and joy, illustrating a shift in his priorities.

Denouement

The return of the paper to the outside signifies his realization that material gains are less important than his relationship with Clare.

Symbolism

Tom’s cry of "Clare!" upon returning inside symbolizes his newfound appreciation for life and relationships over work.

Literary Techniques

The author creates suspense by carefully escalating tension through detailed descriptions, effectively slowing time for readers during Tom's perilous experience.

Relationship Dynamics

Tom's conflict is primarily internal, demonstrating his struggle between ambition and the need for connection with his wife, reflecting a lack of external conflict with Clare.

Symbolic Color

Yellow represents caution and serves as a metaphor for the time spent on work instead of valuing relationships, reinforcing the story's themes.

Themes

Major themes include the importance of prioritizing personal relationships and the realization that one often undervalues what they have until it is nearly lost.

Internal Conflict

Tom experiences internal conflict when torn between his ambition and the emotional toll on his personal life.

External Conflicts

Tom faces several external conflicts, including the physical dangers of falling, the oppressive cold, and breaking through the window as he struggles against nature and his surroundings.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Jack Finney's 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets.' This quiz covers key characters, plot points, and themes found in the story. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic work.