"The Elevator" Questions

Based on the descriptions in the first paragraph, how does the author want you to feel about this elevator?

• The elevator is a friendly and nice place to be.

• The elevator is uncomfortable and anxious setting.

• The elevator is an old and outdated mode of travel.

• The elevator is small but cozy.

Reread the boxed details on page 1. What do you learn about the main character Martin in the exposition?

Line 40: STOP AN PREDICT

Consider what you have read so far about the setting and Martin's feelings about his surroundings. What do you think the main conflict will be about?

Lines 41-64 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

What is strange about the lady's behavior in the elevator?

• She was pleasant and friendly.

• She did not stand facing the door.

• She stared at Martin the whole time.

• She only rode the elevator for two floors.

Line 66:

Martin seems to perceive the strange lady as a threat. In your opinion, is this conflict real or in his head? Explain your reasoning (2-3 sentences)

Read lines 81-86.

He was apprehensive as he approached the building after school. In the lobby, he considered the stairs. But that was ridiculous. Why should he be afraid of an old lady? If he was afraid of her, if he let it control him, then he was worse than all the names they called him at school. He pressed the button; he stepped into the empty elevator. He stared at the lights, urging the elevator on. It stopped on three.

The author uses this paragraph to --

• emphasize the degree of fear that Martin is experiencing

• suggest that Martin is attempting to overcome his fears

• imply that Martin believes that his fears are silly

• reveal Martin's hatred for his classmates

Lines 88-105: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Tension builds as Martin and the lady meet again. What details on this page create suspense about what might happen?

• Martin imagines the elevator getting stuck.

• Martin notices the elevator is moving slower than usual.

• Martin realizes the lady has a lot of friends in the building..

• Martin recognizes the lady as a cleaning lady he has seen before in the building.

The author included questions such as "What was she doing?" "Had she been waiting for him?" "Was she riding with him on purpose?" throughout the story to --

• explain why Martin is fearful of the lady on the elevator

• demonstate Martin's uneasiness about the elevator

• show the reader the lady on the elevator is acting strangely

• emphasize the growing suspense developed by Martin's inner fears

Lines 145-160

Summarize the unexpected turn that happens in this section and explain how this might affect Martin's conflict (1-2 sentences)

Which statement best expresses the suspenseful tone of the selection?

• Maybe it was simply the dimensions of the contraption that bothered him, so small that it felt uncomfortably crowded even when there was only one other person in it.
• When the elevator stopped on his floor, she barely moved out of the way. 
• Luckily, on the unlit flight on which he fell was between sixteen and seventeen.
• She moved in quickly; he was too slow, too unsteady on his crutches to work his way past her in time.

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