Short Story Analysis: Old Building Elevator

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Questions and Answers

What specifically contributes to Martin's discomfort in the elevator?

The height of the building he lives in.

The presence of other passengers.

The elevator's poor lighting conditions. (correct)

The loud clanging noise of the door. (correct)

What does Martin's father imply about him when he questions why Martin didn't take the elevator?

That Martin is weak and cowardly. (correct)

That Martin is brave and adventurous.

That Martin is fearful of heights.

That Martin is strong and capable.

How does Martin feel about using the stairs after school?

He feels fearful and anxious climbing them. (correct)

He is not troubled by their condition.

He finds them easier than the elevator.

He enjoys the physical challenge they present.

What physical appearance detail about the fat lady makes Martin uncomfortable?

Her old green coat that touches him. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the echoing sound of Martin's footsteps have on him while using the stairs?

It creates a sense of paranoia. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Martin think he needs to get used to the elevator?

To avoid being judged by his father. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Martin associate with being in a small elevator with another person?

Anxiety and discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

What does Martin conclude about the elevator after his experiences with it?

He will never grow accustomed to it. Signup and view all the answers

What event caused Martin to feel ashamed of himself?

Being afraid of an old lady Signup and view all the answers

How did Martin first react to the fat lady's presence in the elevator?

He felt nervous and wanted to escape Signup and view all the answers

What was Martin's father's opinion about Martin's fear of the old lady?

He dismissed it as childish Signup and view all the answers

What action did the fat lady take when Martin encountered her in the elevator again?

She pressed the Stop button Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happens to Martin after he encounters the fat lady multiple times?

He breaks his leg from falling down the stairs Signup and view all the answers

What did Martin think when he saw the fat lady smiling at him?

She was mocking him Signup and view all the answers

What was Martin's primary fear regarding the fat lady?

She might trap him in the elevator Signup and view all the answers

How did Martin's experience in the elevator affect his relationship with his father?

It created tension and disappointment Signup and view all the answers

What does Martin's father do that heightens Martin's anxiety in the elevator?

He suddenly changes the floor selection Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason Martin avoided touching the fat lady in the elevator?

He didn’t want to get too close to her Signup and view all the answers

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.