Quitters Inc. Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Identify the types of conflict in the story and explain how it plays out.

Human vs. Human - Morrison vs. Donatti. Donatti forces Morrison to quit smoking or he will hurt Morrison's wife and son and die himself. 2. Human vs. Self - Morrison vs. Morrison. He wants to quit smoking but still craves cigarettes.

Who is the protagonist in the story?

Dick Morrison

Who is the antagonist in the story?

Vic Donatti

What is the climax of the story and why?

Morrison goes to see his wife getting electric shocks for 30 seconds. This is when the suspense is at the highest point in the story. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Morrison's encounter with Donatti. How is this possible foreshadowing?

Morrison meets Donatti at Quitters, Inc., where Donatti asks him to sign a form and personal questions. This foreshadows the harmful methods Donatti uses to get Morrison to quit. Signup and view all the answers

How does Quitters Inc get its clients to stop smoking?

By harming them and the people they love if they smoke. Signup and view all the answers

Donatti says the treatment is pragmatic.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the tenth step in curing someone from his/her smoking habit at Quitters Inc?

Death either by Donatti or themselves but by who is not revealed in the story. Signup and view all the answers

What made Dick Morrison decide NOT to smoke the cigarette in his study?

The mental image of Cindy (his wife) in the electric shock room. Signup and view all the answers

Find 3 context clues from the story that tell the reader Quitters Inc is run by the mob.

<ol> <li>Family run business like massage parlors and slot machines. 2. Referred to as a sort of foundation non-profit organization. 3. Mort 'Three Fingers Minelli' was a member.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible theme in this story?

Family - comes first before everything; Love - is the strongest drug. Signup and view all the answers

How does Cindy Morrison react when Dick Morrison tells her what has happened to her is his fault? What is strange about that?

She is okay with it and is proud of him. This is strange because she was just given electric shock and taken from her home against her will. Signup and view all the answers

After the treatment was successful, what did Quitters, Inc start to monitor besides smoking? What happens if Dick messes up?

They start to monitor his weight. If he messes up, they will cut off his wife's pinky finger. Signup and view all the answers

Who do the Morrisons see twenty months later? Explain what happened to these individuals.

They see Jimmy McCann and his wife. They are happy, but his wife's pinky finger is missing. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think McCann and Morrison pass along Quitters Inc business cards?

They think they were going to die if they kept smoking and were at their worst. It changed their lives even though it was dramatic. They had no other choice. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three different literary devices that you found in the story.

<ol> <li>Suspense - wife was about to be shocked. 2. Dialogue - there was specific conversation between Dick Morrison and Vic Donatti. 3. Metaphor - Dick Morrison calls Vic Donatti a dirty filthy animal.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Conflict

Human vs Human: Conflict between Morrison and Donatti revolves around threats to Morrison's family.
Human vs Self: Morrison struggles internally with the desire to quit smoking while battling cravings.

Protagonist

Dick Morrison is the main character, facing coercion to quit smoking under duress.

Antagonist

Vic Donatti threatens Morrison’s family to ensure compliance with quitting smoking, creating significant tension.

Climax

The climax occurs when Morrison witnesses his wife receiving electric shocks, heightening suspense at a critical moment.

Encounter with Donatti

Morrison meets Donatti at Quitters, Inc., who pressures him to sign a confidentiality agreement and probes personal details about his family, hinting at future threats.

Quitters Inc Methods

The organization employs extreme measures, threatening harm to clients and their loved ones to enforce quitting smoking.

Pragmatic Treatment Debate

The treatment methods are deemed impractical, as inflicting harm is not a realistic solution for quitting smoking.

Tenth Step in Curing Smoking Habit

The final step involves death, though it remains ambiguous who inflicts this as a consequence.

Decision Against Smoking

Morrison refrains from smoking upon envisioning his wife in the electric shock room, highlighting the power of mental imagery.

Context Clues Indicating Mob Involvement

Referential clues include a family-run business model, the non-profit façade, and the nickname of Mort "Three Fingers Minelli," suggesting mob connections.

Possible Themes

Family is prioritized above all, with love considered the most potent influence in one’s life.

Cindy Morrison's Reaction

Cindy shows a disturbing sense of pride in Morrison despite her traumatic experience, reflecting a strangely supportive dynamic.

Monitoring Post-Treatment

Quitters, Inc expands its oversight to include Morrison's weight, threatening his wife’s safety as a consequence for infractions.

Encounter After Twenty Months

Morrison and Cindy meet Jimmy McCann and his wife, revealing their altered lives, particularly marked by the absence of the wife’s pinky finger.

Business Card Distribution

McCann and Morrison believe in the drastic measures of Quitters, Inc due to their life-changing experiences, despite the terrifying means.

Literary Devices

Suspense: Heightened tension throughout the electric shock scene.
Dialogue: Key conversations providing insight into character dynamics, especially between Morrison and Donatti.
Metaphor: Morrison's description of Donatti as a "dirty filthy animal" enhances the conflict's intensity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the short story 'Quitters Inc.' by Stephen King, allowing you to explore key concepts such as conflicts and character roles. It highlights the protagonist, Dick Morrison, and the struggles he faces in his battle against smoking addiction. Dive deep into the narrative elements that shape the story.