Contents of the Dead Mans Pocket By Jack

“Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” By Jack Finney

Literary Analysis Conflict and Resoultion Internal Conflict External Conflict • In an internal conflict, a character struggles with his or her own opposing desires, beliefs, or needs. • In an external conflict, a character struggles against an outside force, such as an element of nature, or another character.

Literary Analysis Main Internal Conflict Main External Conflict • The main internal conflict is between Tom’s ambition and his love for his wife. • The main external conflict is Tom’s struggle to get back into his apartment. • Tom’s internal conflict is resolved when he lets the yellow sheet float back out the window. • Tom’s external conflict is resolved when he breaks the window

Reading Skill – Cause and Effect • A cause is an event, an action, or a situation that produces a result. • An effect is the result produced. • To better follow a story, analyze causes and effects as you read, determining which earlier events lead to which later events. • Many stories are chains of cause and effect, in which one event leads to the next.

Cause and Effect • Tom’s decision to stay home and work sets the cause/effect chain in motion. • Short term: The paper flies out the window as he shuts the door behind his wife. • Long term: Tom realizes that his life is more important than his work. • Key detail: Clare goes to the movies; Effect: She will not return home in time to help Tom.

Vocabulary • Convoluted: adj. twisted in a complicated way. The convoluted maze confused us. • Verified: v. - proved to be true. He verified the results of the test by double-checking the scores. • Deftness: n. – skillfulness. She climbed with the deftness of a mountain goat.

Vocabulary • Imperceptibly: adv. – so slowly or slightly as to be barely noticeable. I did notice when the fish nibbled imperceptibly at my bait. • Reveling: v. – taking great pleasure or delight. When she got her first job, she could not stop reveling in her newfound independence. • Interminable: adj. – endless or seeming endless. The wait seemed interminable to the impatient shopper.

Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket • In the selection, Tom Benecke stays home to work on a business proposal while his wife goes to the movies alone. • When Tom has a harrowing experience on the ledge of his apartment building, he is forced to reexamine his life and reshape his outlook. • At first, Tom feels safe and secure in his environment and place in life. • When he Is out on the ledge, he realizes how dangerous reality can be and how small he is in the world.