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Questions and Answers
What specifically contributes to Martin's discomfort in the elevator?
What does Martin's father imply about him when he questions why Martin didn't take the elevator?
How does Martin feel about using the stairs after school?
What physical appearance detail about the fat lady makes Martin uncomfortable?
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What effect does the echoing sound of Martin's footsteps have on him while using the stairs?
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Why does Martin think he needs to get used to the elevator?
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What emotion does Martin associate with being in a small elevator with another person?
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What does Martin conclude about the elevator after his experiences with it?
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What event caused Martin to feel ashamed of himself?
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How did Martin first react to the fat lady's presence in the elevator?
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What was Martin's father's opinion about Martin's fear of the old lady?
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What action did the fat lady take when Martin encountered her in the elevator again?
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What significant event happens to Martin after he encounters the fat lady multiple times?
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What did Martin think when he saw the fat lady smiling at him?
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What was Martin's primary fear regarding the fat lady?
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How did Martin's experience in the elevator affect his relationship with his father?
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What does Martin's father do that heightens Martin's anxiety in the elevator?
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What was the main reason Martin avoided touching the fat lady in the elevator?
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Study Notes
Setting and Atmosphere
- The building has an old, small elevator, capable of holding only three people.
- Poor lighting, dirty walls, and a slamming door contribute to Martin’s anxiety.
- The elevator shudders on each floor, enhancing Martin's discomfort and fear.
Character: Martin
- Twelve-year-old boy, described as thin and timid with fears of elevators.
- Struggles with physical weakness and bullying at school, which affects his self-esteem.
- Tries using the stairs but feels isolated and exhausted from the dark, echoing environment.
Character: Martin's Father
- Works from home; often critical of Martin's fears and perceived weaknesses.
- Dismisses Martin's concerns about the elevator and the old lady.
- Encourages Martin to act bravely and grow up.
The Encounter with the Fat Lady
- A fat lady boards the elevator, making Martin uncomfortable due to her size and the close quarters.
- She stares at Martin with sharp, probing eyes, causing significant anxiety for him.
- The lady's observation feels invasive and unsettling to Martin.
Reactions and Consequences
- Martin's fear transforms into obsessive thoughts about the lady throughout his school day.
- Encounters the fat lady again, further escalating his panic as she chooses to ride to the top floor.
- He feels trapped in the elevator and struggles to avoid physical contact with her.
Martin's Breakdown and Injury
- Attempts to avoid the lady leads him to flee down the stairs in fear, resulting in an accident.
- Falls and breaks his leg, rendering him dependent on crutches and unable to escape the elevator.
- Experiences a mix of fear and shame regarding both the accident and the lady’s potential foreknowledge.
The Climax
- While recovering, he feels temporarily safe from the fat lady due to his injury.
- His father’s lack of support in the elevator exacerbates Martin’s feelings of isolation.
- The confrontation escalates when Martin, on crutches, is again trapped with the fat lady in the elevator.
Themes
- The story explores fear, trauma, and the perception of danger in everyday situations.
- Highlights the complicated dynamics between parental expectations and childhood anxiety.
- Discusses the social anxiety associated with interactions in confined spaces.
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Description
Explore the themes and emotions conveyed in the story of a young boy's discomfort in an old building's elevator. This quiz delves into the character's feelings and the setting's impact on the narrative. Perfect for literature enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of character experiences.