The Landlady By Roald Dahl Author Talk I

The Landlady By Roald Dahl

Author Talk "I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose. . . " Stephen King, 1947 -

Essential Questions What is the literary device of foreshadowing? How does foreshadowing contribute to a suspenseful plot?

Learning Targets I can analyze the central idea and supporting details in information presented in diverse formats (audio file). I can analyze how particular elements of a story interact (i. e. , foreshadowing) I can cite evidence to support my analysis of the text I can write a short answer response using RACES

Anticipation/Reaction Guide Directions: Read each statement below BEFORE listening to the radio play of “The Landlady”. Decide whether each statement is positive or negative. Place a “P” or an “N” in the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Be prepared to share your thoughts. Before Listening P/N Statement from Text P There was a vase of yellow chrysanthemums, standing just underneath the notice that looked wonderful beside the green velvety curtains. Animals are usually a good sign in this sort of place. After Listening P/N

Go ahead and finish the Anticipation/Reaction Guide on your own… Let’s go over it. . .

Words to Know Word brisk Example Sentences Predicted Definition I think this word. . . and made my way briskly down the street. For briskness was the one common characteristic of all means: successful businessmen, like those big shots up at quickly, energetically the Head Office. They were always so amazingly brisk. My sentence: There’s nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get my blood flowing and my spirit ready for the day ahead.

Go ahead and finish the Words T 0 KNOw section on your own… Let’s go over it. . .

Roald Dahl, 1916 -1990 What is a Landlady? owner of a boarding house people pay to stay there ● British author, poet, screenwriter, and fighter pilot! ● James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, The BFG, The Twits ● “One of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20 th century” they have their own room served breakfast sometimes called a “Bed and Breakfast”

Setting: Bath, England Characters Protagonist - Billy Weaver, 17 yrs. Old, in Bath for a new job Antagonist - The Landlady, owner of the Bed and Breakfast ● Bath is a city in the South of England ● story takes place in the 1950 s Minor characters - Christopher Mulholland Gregory Temple, guests at the Bed and Breakfast

Billy Weaver needs a place to stay for the night, and stumbles upon a quaint bed-andbreakfast run by an eccentric landlady. The price is right, but why is she so insistent that he sign her guestbook? What really happened to her two previous tenants? What will now happen to The Landlady by Roald Dahl Click on the title above – it should take you right to the You. Tube video!

Check For Understanding What was Billy Weaver doing in the City of Bath? Why does he walk “briskly” down the street? He was directed to the 'Bell and Dragon' pub for accommodation. Why didn't he stay there? What was strange about the landlady when he rang on the door bell? Describe Billy's first impressions: • of the house • of the landlady Why did the landlady ask him to go to the sitting-room after he'd unpacked his bag? What did Billy find disturbing about the guest book? What was strange about the animals in the sitting-room? What do you think happened to the other guests whose names Billy had seen? What do you think happened to Billy?

Go back and complete the Anticipation/Reaction Guide on your own… Have any of your impressions changed?

Check For Understanding At what point in the story were you (the reader) fairly certain that Billy was in danger? Explain what words, phrases, or images the writer used to give you this feeling. I knew that Billy was in danger when ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Foreshadowing ● foreshadowing is a literary technique ● used to give the reader “clues” about what is going to happen later on in a story ● vital technique for authors of crime, suspense, or horror stories Try breaking the word apart… FORE - ahead SHADOW - a glimpse of something without the complete details

Evidence Chart The chart below lists foreshadowing clues that Roald Dahl has included in his short story, “The Landlady. ” Read the clues and complete the chart by explaining what each clue suggests about the plot of the story. Page # 1 1 Evidence (specific examples from the text) Elaboration (This clue foreshadows… or this suggests. . . ) But the air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on my cheeks. This clue foreshadows that Billy will face danger soon - i. e. , “deadly cold” and “blade” indicate that there will be trouble! BED AND BREAKFAST, it said. . . BED AND BREAKFAST… Each word was like a large black eye staring at me through the glass, holding me, compelling me…

Go ahead and finish the Evidence Chart on your own… Let’s go over it. . .

R. A. C. E. S. R A C Cite (text) 2 Restate the Answer the pieces of question evidence E S Elaborate or explain your evidence Sum it all up! *Did you include all required info?

Short Answer Response Answer the following question by stating a claim and supporting that claim with at least two details from the story. Follow the guidelines for short answer responses using the RACES strategy. The short story, “The Landlady”by Roald Dahl is full of examples of foreshadowing. How does Dahl’s use of foreshadowing contribute to the story’s plot? Use at least two details from the story to support your response. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________