Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who is the author of 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket'?

Jack Finney

What is the setting of 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket'?

A small town

An apartment in New York City (correct)

An office building

A forest

The two settings in the story are the apartment, which is , and the ledge, which is .

warm, secure, comfortable, spacious, inviting; cold, insecure, narrow, chilly, confining, uncomfortable, perilous

What are the main conflicts faced by Tom in the story?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main characters in 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket'?

Tom and Clare Benecke Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket'?

What is truly important in life is easier to see when we face the possibility of death. Signup and view all the answers

What does the yellow paper symbolize in the story?

Facts, figures, and ideas from two months of research. Signup and view all the answers

What climactic action does Tom take in the story?

He smashes the window with his fist. Signup and view all the answers

The title 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket' implies that someone will die in the story.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the three ways Tom signals for help?

He calls for help, lights scrap paper three times, and drops coins from his pockets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony of the situation at the end of the story?

The yellow piece of paper that he risked his life to retrieve blows out the broken window. Signup and view all the answers

What life lesson can be derived from 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket'?

Ambition at the cost of human relationships robs life of meaning. Signup and view all the answers

When was Jack Finney born and when did he die?

He was born in 1911 and died in 1995. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Jack Finney's most famous novels?

The Body Snatchers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author

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

Emphasis

The story highlights the importance of the setting.

Setting

The narrative unfolds in New York City, specifically in an 11th-floor apartment on Lexington Avenue and on the precarious ledge outside.

Contrast in Settings

Apartment: warm, secure, comfortable, spacious, inviting.
Ledge: cold, insecure, narrow, chilly, confining, uncomfortable, perilous.

Conflicts

Man vs. Environment: Tom faces the challenges of the ledge.
Man vs. Himself: Tom battles his inner fears.
Value System vs. Value System: The tension between personal fulfillment and business success, highlighting materialism versus human relationships.

Characters

Tom and Clare Benecke are the central characters; Tom is dynamic while Clare remains static.
Tom works in the wholesale grocery business.

Theme

The story illustrates that the true significance of life becomes clearer when confronted with mortality.

Symbol

The yellow paper symbolizes Tom's hard work and ambitions initially but ultimately reflects fleeting aspirations and a wasted life.

Climax

The pivotal moment occurs when Tom calls out "Clare!" as he resolves his conflict by smashing the window.

Suspense

The title suggests impending death, with the author effectively building tension throughout the story.

Ways Tom Signals for Help

He calls out for assistance.
He lights scrap paper multiple times to create a flame.
He drops coins from his pockets in groups of three or four.

Irony of Situation

The yellow paper, which Tom risked his life to recover, eventually exits through the broken window, evoking laughter from Tom.

Life Lesson

The narrative conveys that pursuing ambition at the expense of human relationships diminishes life's meaning.

Jack Finney's Life Span

Finney lived from 1911 to 1995 and was an American writer.

Finney's Most Famous Works

"The Body Snatchers" (1955), reprinted as "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1973).
Other notable novels include "Time and Again" (1970) and "About Time" (1986).
"The Love Letter" (1998), a television movie, was adapted from one of his short stories.
Several movies, such as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) and "Body Snatchers" (1993), are based on his works.

Jack Finney's Death

Finney passed away from pneumonia and emphysema in 1995.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key elements of 'Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets' by Jack Finney. This quiz focuses on important terms, settings, and contrasts within the story. Perfect for students or fans looking to deepen their understanding of the text.