CONTENTS OF THE DEAD MANS POCKETS By Jack

“CONTENTS OF THE DEAD MAN’S POCKETS” By Jack Finney (1911 -1995)

BACKGROUND Before Computers In the 1950 s, when this story takes place, there were no computers or photocopiers. To make copies, people used carbon paper – blackcoated sheets that transferred written or typed marks onto blank paper below. Without a carbon copy, a lost document might be gone forever – a possibility the main character in this story dreads.

THINK ABOUT IT v Is there a difference between reality and truth? In “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket, ” a man’s perception of reality changes because of a terrifying experience. He discovers the truth about his life and priorities. Use this sentence starter to think about the big question: Life threatening situations may cause people to evaluate _____ because ______. v While you read, look for moments when the main character experiences changes in his understanding of reality or truth.

VOCABULARY v Cause – an event, an action, or situation that produces a result v Effect – the result produced v Conflict – a struggle between forces • Internal – a character struggles with his or her own opposing desires • External – a character struggles with an outside force, such as nature or another character

CAUSE & EFFECT

CLOSURE v Write one example of a cause –and-effect in “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket. ”

ALTERNATE ENDING v Tom’s mind flashes forward, imagining possible outcomes. Give me one example of one of those outcomes, describe it, and analyzw how it affects Tom’s choices and your suspense. v After you describe the flash-forward, think about what the outcome would be. Write an alternate ending of what might have happened if this flash-forward had come to pass. v You may partner up (2/group)