Question

Read the extract given below and answer the following questions.

Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls.

1. Describe the apartment to which Martin and his father had shifted recently. (Understanding)
2. What made the boy uncomfortable in the elevator? (Understanding and Analysis)
3. Martin was timid and cowardly. How is this true? (Evaluate)
4. What are we told about the door of the elevator? (Understanding)
5. How does the description of the elevator contribute to the suspense in the story? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Martin and his father had recently shifted to a new apartment in a tall building. Their apartment was on a high floor, so Martin had to use the elevator frequently. The unfamiliar surroundings and the unpleasant elevator added to his discomfort.
2. Martin was always uncomfortable in elevators because he was afraid that they might fall. This particular elevator frightened him even more because it had poor lighting and dirty walls. Its unpleasant appearance increased his anxiety.
3. Martin was timid because he was extremely frightened of using the elevator and constantly imagined that something terrible might happen. His fear became so strong that he avoided the elevator and preferred taking the stairs, even though he lived on a high floor.
4. The elevator door was unpleasant and never stayed open for long. It closed automatically, which made Martin feel trapped and increased his fear of being inside the elevator.
5. The poorly lit elevator, dirty walls, and door that quickly closes create a gloomy and claustrophobic atmosphere. These details make the reader understand Martin’s fear and prepare the setting for the mysterious encounters with the fat lady.