Questions and Answers
What is the children's first impulse about the man in the well?
First impulse is to go help him; they don't.
Why is the narrator careful not to go close to the lip of the well?
So the man doesn't see them; they remain anonymous.
What does Wendy's 'looking around at us' indicate about her reason for lying to the man?
Wants to make sure that what she thinks everyone else agrees.
Why is the man concerned about rain?
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If the man knew each child's name, how might this affect how they choose to treat him?
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When the children return to the well, what do they bring and what do they lie about?
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How might Wendy breaking 'one of the rules' affect Aaron?
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How did the children act when the man said Aaron?
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What impels Aaron to say the other children's names?
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How does losing their anonymity affect the narrator's feelings about the man?
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Why are the children glad to be 'spared the detail of having to see and read each other's faces'?
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Study Notes
Children's Impulse vs. Action
- Initial instinct of the children is to rescue the man in the well.
- Ultimately, they choose not to help him, reflecting a conflict between impulse and action.
Narrator's Caution
- The narrator avoids getting close to the well's edge to maintain anonymity.
- This ensures the man remains unaware of their identities.
Wendy's Lying Motivation
- Wendy's glance at her peers indicates her desire for group consensus.
- She lies to the man to align with what she believes everyone else thinks.
Man's Fear of Rain
- The man expresses concern about potential drowning during rainfall.
- This highlights his desperation and fear for his life.
Impact of Name Recognition
- If the man knew each child's name, it could invoke guilt in them for not helping.
- Personal connection might compel a stronger emotional response.
Children's Return to the Well
- Upon returning, the children bring food and water for the man.
- They falsely claim that the police are on their way, revealing their deception.
Consequences for Aaron
- Breaking rules may lead the man to directly address Aaron, using his name.
- This could escalate the situation and increase Aaron’s sense of obligation to help.
Response to Name Calling
- The children's reaction to the man calling out Aaron is one of fear and guilt.
- This shows their growing anxiety about the moral implications of their actions.
Aaron's Anger
- Aaron's anger drives him to share the names of the other children with the man.
- He does this to deflect blame and avoid individual responsibility.
Loss of Anonymity
- When anonymity is lost, the narrator's feelings toward the man shift negatively.
- The children feel anger and a desire to harm him, illustrating a moral decline.
Avoiding Emotional Reactions
- The children are relieved to avoid confronting each other’s feelings about the man.
- Seeing each other's expressions would heighten their guilt over inaction.
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Description
Test your understanding of the story 'The Man in the Well' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and character motivations, focusing on children's interactions and decisions regarding the man in the well. Perfect for English literature students looking to deepen their analysis.
