English II - Where is Here
What is the mood of the story?
Creepy, anger and abuse
What comment does the stranger make about the element of darkness?
When he was a child it was always dark in the house.
What hints are there that the stranger may be a ghost?
+ The stranger disappeared into the darkness + "The coldness of his hand was cool and damp and tentative" + "We've all been dead--they've all been dead"
What details of the story could be characterized as "gothic"?
+ bleak or remote settings, macabre or violent incidents, + characters in psychological and/or physical torment, + supernatural or otherworldly elements, + strong language full of dangerous meanings"
There are three possible reasons why the basement might be significant to the stranger. What are they?
1) he was abused there 2) that's where the abusive father was killed, 3) it could have been a place of refuge for the stranger.
How is the setting appropriate to the events that occur and the mood oates is trying to create?
A bleak setting including actual and implied violent incidents and characters in psychological torment, not only the supernatural ghostly visitor but also the couple who are reminded of who they truly were and what they are now.
What is the father's attitude when the story begins?
Friendly and welcoming.
How does the stranger react when the father tells him, "The visit is over"
He cries and begs to see the basement (maybe that where he died)
What do these details suggest about his relationship with his own father?
He fears his own father.
How has the father's attitude changed by the end of the story?
He wants him out of the house.
Why does the stranger come to the house?
He was in town on business and it was his childhood home.
In what ways does this add to the air of mystery surrounding the stranger?
His arrival in darkness adds an aura of mystery to the stranger.
Explain the significance of the stranger wanting to see the son's room.
It was his room
"Where is Here" is by whom?
Joyce Carol Oates
What is the setting of the story?
November at evening time
How does her attitude change?
She feels sympathy for him and invites him in.
How does the author create a sense of mystery in the story?
She only gives hints about the stranger's life and never actually tells us.
What brings about this change?
She saw him go to the swings.
What is the mother's attitude about the stranger?
She wasn't happy about him being there.
What unusual request did the stranger make?
Sitting on the stairs in the basement with the door closed. He's says it will be like he's not even there.
What happens when the stranger leaves?
The mother and father get angry with each other.
Using specific details, explain how this story is an example of a modern gothic.
The stranger provides the idea of mystery and brings a feeling of gloom an darkness.
What part of the story might support the idea that the stranger is actually a ghost?
They asked if the stranger's mother was still alive and he says, "we've all been dead...they've all been dead for a while now."
