The Elevator by William Sleator| ICSE | English Literature

Nilanjana's Exclusive English Lessons・2 minutes read

Martin, a 12-year-old boy, struggles with fears of elevators and a mysterious lady in his building, leading to a cycle of avoidance and anxiety that culminates in a physical injury. The story ends with an unresolved tension around the lady's intentions and the emotional impact of confronting fears on Martin.

Insights

  • Martin's fear of elevators and strangers stems from low confidence and experiences of being bullied at school, highlighting the profound impact of childhood fears on an individual's psyche and behavior.
  • The story emphasizes the complex interplay between facing fears, societal expectations, and personal vulnerabilities, showcasing how unresolved fears can manifest in unexpected ways and lead to emotional turmoil and physical harm.

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Recent questions

  • Why is Martin afraid of elevators?

    Claustrophobia and unknown fears about strangers.

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Summary

00:00

Martin's Fear of Elevators and Strangers

  • The lesson focuses on the fears of children, often stemming from low confidence and being bullied at school.
  • The protagonist, Martin, a 12-year-old child, fears elevators due to claustrophobia and unknown fears about strangers.
  • The elevator in Martin's building is old, poorly lit, and small, making him uncomfortable.
  • Martin also tries the stairs but finds them eerie due to lack of light and echoing footsteps.
  • Martin's father questions his use of stairs, criticizing his physical weaknesses and cowardice.
  • Martin starts using the elevator but remains fearful of being trapped inside.
  • A fat lady enters the elevator with Martin, making him uncomfortable due to physical contact and staring.
  • The lady's intense gaze unnerves Martin, making him feel trapped until they reach the first floor.
  • Martin runs away from the elevator, symbolizing his tendency to avoid facing his fears.
  • Martin spends the day thinking about the lady, wondering about her presence in the building.

16:54

Encounter with Mysterious Lady: Martin's Fear

  • Martin's routine of leaving for school at 7:30 usually meant no visitors until after 11:10, leading to his surprise encounter with a mysterious lady in the building.
  • Martin's curiosity and nervousness about the lady's presence in the building grew throughout the day, causing him to question her intentions and his own fear.
  • Despite his attempts to rationalize his fear, Martin found himself face-to-face with the lady in the elevator, feeling ashamed of his apprehension.
  • The lady's repeated appearances in the elevator, especially on the third and 18th floors, left Martin puzzled about her true residence and intentions.
  • Martin's fear of the lady escalated as he struggled to find a way to exit the elevator without touching her, ultimately feeling trapped and anxious.
  • Martin's father's dismissive response to his concerns about the lady led to Martin feeling judged and misunderstood, adding to his emotional turmoil.
  • Martin's fear of the lady culminated in a physical injury when he fell down the dark stairs while trying to avoid encountering her in the elevator.
  • The lady's unsettling behavior, including smiling at Martin and pushing the stop button in the elevator, left him feeling even more terrified and vulnerable.
  • The story ends with an open conclusion, leaving readers to speculate on the true nature of the lady's intentions and the impact of facing one's fears.
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