Prepare for your Class 10 ICSE Literature in English (English Paper – 2) exams with comprehensive questions and answers on “The Elevator” by William Sleator. Perfect for students in the 2024-2025 academic year. Ensure success in your 2024-2025 exams with these detailed study resources.
Here, we provide Section A and Section C, featuring Multiple Choice Questions and Extract-Based Questions for the English Literature Exam Paper – 2. These sections are designed to help you excel in your English literature studies. Prepare thoroughly for your exam with these targeted questions.
Short Summary of the story, ‘The Elevator‘
“The Elevator” by William Sleator is a suspenseful story about a twelve-year-old boy named Martin who has a fear of elevators. Martin’s fear intensifies when a strange, intimidating fat lady begins to stare at him during their encounters in the building’s old, creaky elevator. Despite trying to avoid her, Martin is forced to face his fears when he breaks his leg and has to use the elevator regularly. The story highlights Martin’s struggle with fear and his father’s lack of understanding and support.
SECTION A: The Elevator Questions Answers
In the exam, section A contains all Multiple Choice Type Questions and the students have to choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 1
A. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
1. What was one of Martin’s first impressions of the elevator in the old building?
A. It was very spacious and well-lit.
B. It could carry a large number of people.
C. It was small and made him nervous.
D. It was modern and efficient.
Answer: C. It was small and made him nervous.
2. How did Martin generally feel about elevators?
A. He found them exciting.
B. He was always uncomfortable in them.
C. He felt indifferent about them.
D. He only disliked the one in the old building.
Answer: B. He was always uncomfortable in them.
3. Which of the following features did NOT contribute to Martin’s discomfort with the elevator?
A. Poor lighting
B. Dirty walls
C. Slow speed
D. The door that slammed shut
Answer: C. Slow speed
4. How many people could the elevator carry at most?
A. Four
B. Five
C. Two
D. Three
Answer: D. Three
5. What was Martin’s age in the story?
A. Ten years old
B. Twelve years old
C. Fourteen years old
D. Sixteen years old
Answer: B. Twelve years old
6. What happened each time the elevator left a floor?
A. It played music.
B. It shuddered as if exhausted.
C. It moved smoothly without any noise.
D. It got stuck for a moment.
Answer: B. It shuddered as if exhausted.
The Elevator Multiple Choice Questions Answers Set 2
B. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
7. What problem did Martin encounter when he tried the stairs?
A. The stairs were too narrow.
B. The lights were not working.
C. The stairs were blocked.
D. The windows were too small.
Answer: B. The lights were not working.
8. What was Martin’s experience as he climbed the stairs?
A. He enjoyed the climb and found it relaxing.
B. He felt like another person was climbing behind him.
C. He found the stairs well-lit and safe.
D. He reached the top without any difficulty.
Answer: B. He felt like another person was climbing behind him.
9. How did Martin feel by the time he reached his home on the seventeenth floor?
A. Energized and refreshed
B. Nervous but not tired
C. Gasping for breath
D. Happy and content
Answer: C. Gasping for breath.
10. Why did Martin’s father frown at him?
A. Martin was late coming home.
B. Martin was out of breath.
C. Martin didn’t finish his homework.
D. Martin took too long in the elevator.
Answer: B. Martin was out of breath.
11. What was Martin’s father’s reaction when he found out Martin didn’t take the elevator?
A. He was relieved.
B. He praised Martin.
C. He seemed to think Martin was a coward.
D. He didn’t care.
Answer: C. He seemed to think Martin was a coward.
12. What decision did Martin make after his father’s reaction?
A. To never take the stairs again.
B. To always take the elevator.
C. To avoid his father.
D. To complain about the elevator.
Answer: B. To always take the elevator.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 3
C. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
13. What was Martin always afraid of when using the elevator?
A. It would move too slowly.
B. It would stop suddenly and trap him inside.
C. It would be too crowded.
D. It would be too noisy.
Answer: B. It would stop suddenly and trap him inside.
14. What did Martin dislike about having other passengers in the elevator?
A. The passengers were too noisy.
B. The passengers always talked to him.
C. He didn’t like being close to them and their behavior of staring at nothing.
D. The passengers ignored him.
Answer: C. He didn’t like being close to them and their behavior of staring at nothing.
15. What floor did the elevator stop at when the fat lady got on?
A. Twelfth floor
B. Fourteenth floor
C. Fifteenth floor
D. Seventeenth floor
Answer: B. Fourteenth floor
16. How did Martin feel about the fat lady entering the elevator?
A. Relieved
B. Indifferent
C. Uncomfortable and squeezed into a corner
D. Happy to have company
Answer: C. Uncomfortable and squeezed into a corner
17. What unusual thing did the fat lady do after getting into the elevator?
A. She ignored Martin completely.
B. She faced the door and stared at the buttons.
C. She turned around and stared at Martin.
D. She started a conversation with Martin.
Answer: C. She turned around and stared at Martin.
18. What did Martin notice about the fat lady’s face?
A. She had a small, pointed chin.
B. She had large fleshy cheeks and no chin.
C. She had a narrow neck.
D. She had a big smile.
Answer: B. She had large fleshy cheeks and no chin.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 4
D. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
19. What color were the fat lady’s eyes?
A. Brown
B. Green
C. Blue
D. Hazel
Answer: C. Blue
20. How did the fat lady’s eyes appear to Martin?
A. Warm and kind
B. Tiny but sharp, boring into his face
C. Dull and uninterested
D. Large and welcoming
Answer: B. Tiny but sharp, boring into his face
21. What did Martin notice about the woman in the elevator?
A. She was reading a book.
B. She was staring at him.
C. She was talking on her phone.
D. She was sleeping.
Answer: B. She was staring at him.
22. How did Martin feel when the woman kept watching him?
A. Relieved
B. Nervous
C. Indifferent
D. Excited
Answer: B. Nervous
23. What was Martin’s initial reaction to the woman’s stare?
A. He stared back.
B. He smiled at her.
C. He looked away.
D. He spoke to her.
Answer: C. He looked away.
24. At which floors did the elevator stop while Martin was in it with the woman?
A. Twelve and eleven
B. Fourteen and twelve
C. Eleven and ten
D. Seventeen and sixteen
Answer: A. Twelve and eleven
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 5
E. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
25. What did Martin think about the woman while she was staring at him?
A. She was friendly.
B. She was crazy.
C. She was asleep.
D. She was a neighbor.
Answer: B. She was crazy.
26. What did Martin want to do when the elevator reached the first floor?
A. Talk to the woman.
B. Run past her to get out.
C. Stay in the elevator.
D. Call for help.
Answer: B. Run past her to get out.
27. What prevented Martin from running past the woman?
A. She blocked the door.
B. There was no room.
C. The elevator doors were stuck.
D. She spoke to him.
Answer: B. There was no room.
28. What did Martin do after the woman left the elevator?
A. He walked slowly to school.
B. He ran nearly all the way to school.
C. He called his father.
D. He went back home.
Answer: B. He ran nearly all the way to school.
29. What did Martin think about all day at school?
A. His homework
B. The woman in the elevator
C. His friends
D. His lunch
Answer: B. The woman in the elevator
30. Why did Martin feel nervous when he got back to the building after school?
A. He was afraid of the dark.
B. He was worried about his father.
C. He was afraid of the old lady.
D. He didn’t finish his homework.
Answer: C. He was afraid of the old lady.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 6
F. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
31. What floor did the elevator stop on when Martin came back from school?
A. Fourteenth floor
B. Third floor
C. Seventh floor
D. Twelfth floor
Answer: B. Third floor
32. What did Martin see when the elevator door opened on the third floor?
A. An empty hallway
B. The fat lady in a green coat
C. A maintenance worker
D. A friend from school
Answer: B. The fat lady in a green coat
33. What floor did the fat lady press when she got on the elevator in the afternoon?
A. Fourteen
B. Seventeen
C. Eighteen
D. Twelve
Answer: C. Eighteen
34. Why did Martin want to press the seventh floor button?
A. To get out and walk up the stairs
B. To talk to a friend
C. To escape the old lady
D. To reach his destination faster
Answer: A. To get out and walk up the stairs
35. Why couldn’t Martin press the seventh floor button?
A. The button was broken.
B. He couldn’t reach it without touching the woman.
C. The elevator was too crowded.
D. He forgot which floor to press.
Answer: B. He couldn’t reach it without touching the woman.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 7
G. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
36. What did the fat lady do when Martin tried to get out on his floor?
A. She moved out of his way.
B. She hardly moved, forcing him to squeeze past.
C. She spoke to him.
D. She pressed the emergency stop button.
Answer: B. She hardly moved, forcing him to squeeze past.
37. What did Martin think when he realized the fat lady knew his floor?
A. “She might visit me.”
B. “Now she knows I live on seventeen.”
C. “She must be my neighbor.”
D. “I should tell my father.”
Answer: B. “Now she knows I live on seventeen.”
38. Who did Martin ask about the strange lady in the elevator?
A. His teacher
B. His friend
C. His father
D. The building manager
Answer: C. His father
39. How did Martin’s father respond when asked about the strange lady?
A. He said he had noticed her too.
B. He was concerned.
C. He hadn’t noticed her.
D. He called the building manager.
Answer: C. He hadn’t noticed her.
40. What did Martin’s father think about Martin’s concern over the old lady?
A. He was very understanding.
B. He thought Martin was overreacting.
C. He encouraged Martin to talk to her.
D. He ignored Martin completely.
Answer: B. He thought Martin was overreacting.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 8
H. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
41. How did Martin describe the woman to his father?
A. She was friendly and kind.
B. She kept staring at him and never stopped looking at him.
C. She was talking to him the whole time.
D. She ignored him completely.
Answer: B. She kept staring at him and never stopped looking at him.
42. What was Martin’s father’s reaction when Martin explained his fear?
A. He was sympathetic and concerned.
B. He thought Martin was being ridiculous.
C. He decided to investigate the lady.
D. He advised Martin to use the stairs.
Answer: B. He thought Martin was being ridiculous.
43. What did Martin’s father accuse him of being?
A. A coward
B. A troublemaker
C. Lazy
D. Imaginative
Answer: A. A coward
44. What did Martin do after talking to his father about the woman?
A. He went back to the elevator.
B. He waited until he got to his room and cried.
C. He called a friend.
D. He spoke to the building manager.
Answer: B. He waited until he got to his room and cried.
45. What did Martin’s father accuse him of being afraid of?
A. The dark
B. A poor old lady
C. Heights
D. School
Answer: B. A poor old lady
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 9
I. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
46. How did Martin feel about crying in front of his father?
A. He didn’t care.
B. He didn’t want to cry in front of him.
C. He cried openly.
D. He pretended to be strong.
Answer: B. He didn’t want to cry in front of him.
47. What time of day did Martin first encounter the fat lady in the elevator?
A. Early morning
B. Afternoon
C. Evening
D. Late night
Answer: A. Early morning
48. What did Martin think was unusual about the woman being in the building at 7:30 in the morning?
A. It was too early for visiting.
B. It was a weekend.
C. She was usually out.
D. The elevator didn’t work that early.
Answer: A. It was too early for visiting.
49. How did Martin feel about the woman’s green coat?
A. He liked it.
B. He found it horrible and scratchy.
C. He thought it was fashionable.
D. He didn’t notice it.
Answer: B. He found it horrible and scratchy.
50. How did Martin describe the woman’s eyes?
A. Large and welcoming
B. Small and kind
C. Tiny and sharp
D. Dull and uninterested
Answer: C. Tiny and sharp
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 10
J. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
51. What did Martin’s father focus on while Martin talked about the woman?
A. His book
B. The television
C. His phone
D. His work
Answer: B. The television
52. What did Martin feel as the elevator moved slowly with the fat lady?
A. Excited
B. Relieved
C. Anxious
D. Indifferent
Answer: C. Anxious
53. Why did Martin think the fat lady was crazy?
A. She talked to herself.
B. She stared at him continuously.
C. She sang loudly.
D. She laughed for no reason.
Answer: B. She stared at him continuously.
54. Where did Martin want to look when the woman stared at him?
A. At the ceiling
B. Into the corner
C. At his shoes
D. Out the window
Answer: B. Into the corner
55. What did Martin’s father suggest Martin needed to do?
A. Make friends
B. Act like a man
C. Move to a new building
D. Stay home
Answer: B. Act like a man
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 11
K. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
56. What did Martin’s father accuse him of being?
A. Timid
B. Rude
C. Lazy
D. Impatient
Answer: A. Timid
57. How did Martin feel about getting back to the building after school?
A. Excited
B. Nervous
C. Indifferent
D. Happy
Answer: B. Nervous
58. What floor did the woman press when she got on the elevator with Martin the second time?
A. Fourteen
B. Seventeen
C. Eighteen
D. Twelve
Answer: C. Eighteen
59. What did Martin do to avoid looking at the woman?
A. He closed his eyes.
B. He turned around.
C. He stared at the floor.
D. He looked at the elevator buttons.
Answer: D. He looked at the elevator buttons.
60. How did Martin describe his father’s attitude towards his fear?
A. Sympathetic
B. Supportive
C. Indifferent
D. Impatient
Answer: D. Impatient
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 12
L. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
61. What was Martin’s reaction when he saw the fat lady waiting for him in the elevator in the morning?
A. He smiled at her.
B. He stood there, unable to move.
C. He greeted her.
D. He walked past her.
Answer: B. He stood there, unable to move.
62. How did the fat lady’s expression change when she saw Martin?
A. She frowned.
B. She smiled.
C. She ignored him.
D. She looked sad.
Answer: B. She smiled.
63. What happened to Martin when he started running down the stairs?
A. He made it safely to the ground floor.
B. He fell.
C. He got lost.
D. He met a neighbor.
Answer: B. He fell.
64. Where did Martin’s father take him after he fell on the stairs?
A. Back home
B. To the hospital
C. To a neighbor’s house
D. To school
Answer: B. To the hospital.
65. How did Martin’s father feel about him after the fall?
A. Proud
B. Disappointed
C. Indifferent
D. Worried
Answer: B. Disappointed.
66. What injury did Martin sustain from his fall?
A. A broken arm
B. A broken leg
C. A sprained ankle
D. A concussion
Answer: B. A broken leg.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 13
M. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
67. How did Martin need to get around after his injury?
A. With a wheelchair
B. On crutches
C. Using a cane
D. With a walker
Answer: B. On crutches.
68. Why did Martin feel safe from the fat lady after returning from the hospital?
A. The elevator was fixed.
B. He could stay in the apartment for a few days.
C. The fat lady moved out.
D. His father believed him now.
Answer: B. He could stay in the apartment for a few days.
69. What floor did Martin’s father press the button for when they were returning from the hospital?
A. Nine
B. Seventeen
C. Fourteen
D. Ten
Answer: A. Nine.
70. What reason did Martin’s father give for pressing the button for floor nine?
A. He wanted to avoid the fat lady.
B. He promised to visit Mrs. Ullman.
C. He wanted to show Martin something.
D. He pressed the wrong button.
Answer: B. He promised to visit Mrs. Ullman.
71. How did Martin react when his father stepped out of the elevator?
A. He was relieved.
B. He pleaded to go with him.
C. He got angry.
D. He didn’t care.
Answer: B. He pleaded to go with him.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 14
N. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
72. What did Martin’s father say when the elevator door was closing?
A. “I’ll be right back.”
B. “Don’t worry, Martin.”
C. “Grow up, Martin.”
D. “Wait here.”
Answer: C. “Grow up, Martin.”
73. What floor did the elevator stop at instead of nine?
A. Eight
B. Ten
C. Eleven
D. Fourteen
Answer: B. Ten.
74. Who was waiting for Martin when the elevator stopped at the tenth floor?
A. Mrs. Ullman
B. A maintenance worker
C. The fat lady
D. His father
Answer: C. The fat lady.
75. What did the fat lady do when she got into the elevator with Martin?
A. She ignored him.
B. She smiled at him.
C. She pushed the Stop button.
D. She pressed his floor button.
Answer: C. She pushed the Stop button.
76. How did the fat lady greet Martin in the elevator?
A. “Hello, Martin.”
B. “Nice to see you.”
C. “Good morning.”
D. She didn’t say anything.
Answer: A. “Hello, Martin.”
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 15
O. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
77. What did Martin try to do when he saw the fat lady in the elevator?
A. He tried to get past her.
B. He talked to her.
C. He ignored her.
D. He called for help.
Answer: A. He tried to get past her.
78. Why couldn’t Martin get past the fat lady in the elevator?
A. She was too fast.
B. He was too slow.
C. The elevator was too crowded.
D. The door closed too quickly.
Answer: B. He was too slow.
79. How did Martin feel when the fat lady pressed the Stop button?
A. Relieved
B. Terrified
C. Indifferent
D. Angry
Answer: B. Terrified.
80. What did Martin think about the fat lady’s smile?
A. It was friendly.
B. It was mocking.
C. It was indifferent.
D. It was shy.
Answer: B. It was mocking.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 16
P. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
81. What was Martin’s father doing while Martin was in the elevator alone?
A. Visiting Mrs. Ullman
B. Watching TV
C. Waiting outside
D. Taking a walk
Answer: A. Visiting Mrs. Ullman.
82. What did Martin want to avoid after his fall?
A. Talking to his father
B. Using the elevator
C. Seeing the fat lady
D. Going to school
Answer: C. Seeing the fat lady.
83. What did the doctor advise Martin to do after his injury?
A. Stay in bed
B. Walk regularly
C. Rest as much as possible
D. Go back to school immediately
Answer: C. Rest as much as possible.
84. Why did Martin’s father think Martin was afraid of the elevator?
A. Because of the dark
B. Because of the height
C. Because of the fat lady
D. Because it was old
Answer: C. Because of the fat lady.
85. What did Martin’s father expect him to do about his fear?
A. Talk to the building manager
B. Overcome it and grow up
C. Move to another apartment
D. Stay away from elevators
Answer: B. Overcome it and grow up.
The Elevator Questions Answers Set 17
Q. Read the following questions and choose the most appropriate response from the choices given below
86. What did Martin use to get around after his injury?
A. A cane
B. A wheelchair
C. Crutches
D. He didn’t need any aid
Answer: C. Crutches.
87. What did the fat lady do when the elevator stopped on the tenth floor?
A. She left the elevator.
B. She stayed in and pressed the Stop button.
C. She asked Martin for help.
D. She ignored Martin.
Answer: B. She stayed in and pressed the Stop button.
88. What did Martin try to do to avoid being alone in the elevator?
A. He tried to leave with his father.
B. He asked a neighbor for help.
C. He stayed in the lobby.
D. He pressed the emergency button.
Answer: A. He tried to leave with his father.
89. What did Martin think about the fat lady’s behavior?
A. It was normal.
B. It was friendly.
C. It was strange and frightening.
D. It was indifferent.
Answer: C. It was strange and frightening.
90. What did Martin’s father say when he stepped out of the elevator and left Martin alone?
A. “I’ll be right back.”
B. “Wait here.”
C. “Don’t be afraid.”
D. “Grow up, Martin.”
Answer: D. “Grow up, Martin.”
SECTION C: The Elevator Questions Answers Extract-Based
In the Exam, Section C contains all extract-based questions. Some portions of the text are given and Questions are asked.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 1
1. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
(A) It was an old building with an old elevator – a very small elevator, which could carry only three people. Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment. Of course he was always uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the dirty walls. It was because of the door, which never stayed open long enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise. Perhaps it was the way the elevator shuddered each time it left a floor, as if it was exhausted. Maybe it was simply too small. It seemed crowded even with only two people in it.
1. What specific aspects of the elevator contribute to Martin’s discomfort and fear?
Answer: Martin’s discomfort and fear stem from several specific aspects of the elevator: its poor lighting, dirty walls, and a door that never stayed open long enough and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise. Additionally, the way the elevator shuddered as if it was exhausted and its small size, making it feel crowded even with only two people, heightened his anxiety.
2. How does the description of the elevator reflect Martin’s feelings?
Answer: The description of the elevator reflects Martin’s feelings of anxiety and discomfort. The poor lighting and dirty walls create a sense of neglect and unease, while the slamming door and shuddering movement evoke fear and instability. The elevator’s small size symbolizes Martin’s feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed, mirroring his internal fears and insecurities.
Answer: The author’s detailed description of the elevator’s condition enhances the story’s atmosphere by creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension, which mirrors Martin’s inner fears. This setting amplifies the theme of confronting personal anxieties and the feeling of entrapment in challenging situations. The deteriorating elevator becomes a metaphor for Martin’s struggle with his vulnerabilities, emphasizing his journey towards overcoming his fears.
Answer: The author describes the elevator with phrases like “poor lighting,” “dirty walls,” “door…slammed shut with a loud clanging noise,” and “shuddered each time it left a floor.” These details create a sense of unease by highlighting the elevator’s decrepit and claustrophobic nature.
5. Why do you think Martin’s fear of the elevator is significant to the story, and how might it symbolize larger themes or conflicts?
Answer: Martin’s fear of the elevator is significant to the story as it serves as a central element that drives the plot and develops his character. This fear symbolizes his vulnerability and the anxiety he faces in his new environment. It also reflects his struggles with other aspects of his life, such as feeling out of control and dealing with the absence of his mother’s support, given that he lives only with his father who dismisses his fears. Additionally, the elevator can symbolize the confined and limiting situations in life that one must face and overcome, despite the fear they may induce. This recurring fear and the setting of the elevator become a metaphor for Martin’s personal growth and his journey toward confronting his anxieties.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 2
2. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
(B) The stairs were no better. Martin tried them one day after school. There were no windows, and the lights were not working. Martin’s footsteps echoed behind him on the cement, as though there was another person climbing, getting closer. By the time he reached his home on the seventeenth floor, he was gasping for
breath.
Martin’s father worked at home. He wanted to know why Martin was out of breath. “Why didn’t you take the elevator?” he asked, frowning at Martin. You’re not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, his face seemed to say, you are also a coward. After that, Martin always took the elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told himself, just like he got used to being bullied at school.
But he didn’t get used to it. He was always afraid that it would stop suddenly and he would be trapped inside it for hours by himself. But it wasn’t much better when there were other passengers. He didn’t like to be close to them. He also disliked the way people tried hard not to look at one another, staring at nothing.
1. Why did Martin choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator one day after school?
Answer: Martin chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator because he felt uncomfortable and nervous in the elevator. The stairs seemed like a better option to avoid his fear of being trapped inside the elevator.
2. How did Martin feel while climbing the stairs, and what physical state was he in when he reached his apartment?
Answer: Martin felt uneasy while climbing the stairs, as his footsteps echoed behind him, making him feel as though someone was following him. By the time he reached his apartment on the seventeenth floor, he was gasping for breath, indicating exhaustion and physical strain.
3. How did Martin’s father react when he found Martin out of breath, and what was his unspoken judgment?
Answer: Martin’s father reacted with a frown and questioned why Martin didn’t take the elevator. His unspoken judgment was that Martin was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and a coward, as inferred from his facial expression and disapproving attitude.
4. What does Martin’s father’s reaction reveal about their relationship and his understanding of Martin’s fears?
Answer: Martin’s father’s reaction reveals a lack of empathy and understanding towards Martin’s fears. He dismisses Martin’s anxiety and views him as weak and cowardly. This lack of support and recognition of Martin’s struggles highlights a strained relationship and indicates that Martin feels misunderstood and unsupported by his father.
5. How does Martin’s ongoing fear of the elevator and his discomfort around other passengers contribute to the story’s theme?
Answer: Martin’s ongoing fear of the elevator and discomfort around other passengers contribute to the story’s theme of isolation and anxiety. His experiences in the elevator reflect his broader struggles with feeling trapped and unsupported, both at home and in social situations. This deepens the narrative’s exploration of personal fears and the challenge of overcoming them in an unsympathetic environment.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 3
3. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
One morning the elevator stopped at the fourteenth floor, and a fat lady got on. She was wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her. As she waddled into the elevator, Martin was sure he felt it sink under her weight. She was so big that her coat brushed against him, and he had to squeeze himself into a corner. There was no room for anybody else. The door closed quickly behind her, and instead of facing it, she turned around and stared at Martin.
He looked at her for a moment. She had large fleshy cheeks and no chin, just a huge mass of neck. Her blue eyes were tiny but sharp. They seemed to be boring into Martin’s face.
Martin looked away, but the woman didn’t turn around. Was she still looking at him? He glanced at her quickly, then looked away again. She was still watching him. He wanted to close his eyes, he wanted to turn around and stare into the corner, but how could he? The elevator creaked down to twelve, then eleven. The piggy eyes were still looking at him. She had to be crazy. Why else would she stare at him like this? What was she going to do next?
1. What was Martin’s initial reaction when the fat lady entered the elevator?
Answer: Martin’s initial reaction was discomfort and anxiety. He felt the elevator sink under her weight, and her size forced him to squeeze into a corner. When the door closed quickly behind her and she turned to stare at him, his unease increased significantly.
Answer: The author describes the fat lady as having large fleshy cheeks, no chin, and a huge mass of neck. Her blue eyes are tiny but sharp, and she wears an old green coat that balloons around her, making her appear even larger.
3. How does Martin feel as the elevator descends, and how does he react to the woman’s stare?
Answer: As the elevator descends, Martin feels increasingly nervous and uncomfortable. He looks away from the woman but quickly glances back to see if she is still staring at him. Her persistent gaze makes him feel trapped and anxious, and he wonders if she is crazy and what she might do next.
Answer: The author likely chose to describe the fat lady’s appearance and actions in a detailed and unsettling manner to heighten the sense of fear and tension. This vivid description emphasizes Martin’s anxiety and discomfort, making the reader share his unease. It also adds a sense of menace and unpredictability to the story, deepening the suspense.
5. How does the interaction between Martin and the fat lady contribute to the overall theme of fear and vulnerability in the story?
Answer: The interaction between Martin and the fat lady underscores the theme of fear and vulnerability. Martin’s helplessness and inability to escape the fat lady’s stare highlight his overall sense of entrapment and anxiety. This encounter reflects his broader struggles with fear, both in the elevator and in his daily life, emphasizing his vulnerability and the pervasive sense of dread he experiences.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 4
4. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
She did nothing. She only watched him, breathing loudly, until the elevator reached the first floor at last. Martin wanted to run past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as she turned and moved slowly out into the lobby. Then he ran. He didn’t care what she thought and ran nearly all the way to school.
He thought about her all day. Did she live in the building? He had never seen her before, and the building was not very big. Maybe she was visiting somebody? But 7.30 in the morning was too early for visiting.
It wasn’t possible. It was like a nightmare. But there she was. “Going up!” said Martin, his voice little more than a squeak. She nodded, and stepped on. The door slammed. He watched her pudgy hand move towards the buttons. She pressed, not fourteen, but eighteen, the top floor. The elevator trembled and began to go up. The fat lady watched him.
1. What did the fat lady do when the elevator reached the first floor, and how did Martin react?
Answer: When the elevator reached the first floor, the fat lady did nothing but breathe loudly and watch Martin. Martin wanted to run past her but had to wait until she moved slowly out into the lobby. Once she was out, Martin ran nearly all the way to school, not caring what she thought.
2. What was Martin’s main concern about the fat lady after their first encounter in the elevator?
Answer: Martin’s main concern was whether the fat lady lived in the building, as he had never seen her before. He considered the possibility that she might be visiting someone, but he found it strange that she was in the building at 7:30 in the morning, which seemed too early for a visit.
3. How did Martin feel when he returned to the building after school, and what happened when he got into the elevator?
Answer: Martin felt nervous when he returned to the building after school but also ashamed of being afraid of an old lady. When he got into the elevator, it stopped on the third floor, revealing the fat lady in her green coat, already staring at him. It felt like a nightmare as she got on and watched him intently.
4. What might the fat lady symbolize in Martin’s life, considering his reactions and thoughts about her?
Answer: The fat lady might symbolize Martin’s deeper fears and anxieties. Her persistent presence and unsettling behavior represent the things that Martin cannot control or escape from. She embodies his feelings of vulnerability, helplessness, and the dread of confronting unknown or uncomfortable situations.
5. How does the author’s description of Martin’s emotions and actions enhance the suspense and tension in the story?
Answer: The author’s description of Martin’s emotions and actions, such as his nervousness, desire to run, and the feeling of a nightmare, enhances the suspense and tension by putting the reader directly into Martin’s fearful mindset. This creates a sense of urgency and discomfort, making the reader feel the same anxiety and apprehension that Martin experiences.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 5
5. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
This morning she got on at the fourteenth floor, so why did she get on at the third floor today and go up to eighteen? The elevator seemed to be moving more slowly than usual. Martin wanted to press seven, so that he could get out and walk up the stairs, but he couldn’t reach the buttons without touching her, and he didn’t want to do that.
When the elevator stopped on his floor, she hardly moved out of his way. He had to squeeze past her, rubbing against her horrible scratchy coat. He was afraid the door would close before he could get out. She turned and watched him as the door slammed shut. “Now she knows I live on seventeen,” he thought.
“Have you ever noticed a strange lady in the elevator?” he asked his father that evening.
“Can’t say I have,” he replied, not looking away from the television.
Martin knew he was probably making a mistake, but he had to tell somebody about the woman, “She was in the elevator with me twice today. She just kept staring at me. She never stopped looking at me for a minute.”
“What are you so worried about now?” his father said, turning impatiently away from the television. “What am I going to do with you, Martin? Honestly, now you’re afraid of some poor old lady.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“You’re afraid,” said his father. ‘When are you going to grow up and act like a man? Are you going to be timid all your life?”
Martin didn’t want to cry in front of his father, so he waited until he got to his room. His father probably knew he was crying anyway. He slept very little.
In the morning, when the elevator door opened, the fat lady was waiting for him. Martin stood there, unable to move, then backed away. As she saw him, her expression changed. She smiled as the door slammed.
1. Why was Martin puzzled by the fat lady getting on at the third floor and going up to the eighteenth floor?
Answer: Martin was puzzled because the previous morning she got on at the fourteenth floor. This change in her behavior made him question why she would get on at a different floor and go to the top floor, adding to his sense of unease.
2. How did Martin feel about squeezing past the fat lady to get out of the elevator?
Answer: Martin felt uncomfortable and anxious about squeezing past the fat lady. He was particularly bothered by having to rub against her scratchy coat and feared that the elevator door might close before he could get out.
3. What was Martin’s father’s reaction when Martin mentioned the strange lady in the elevator?
Answer: Martin’s father was dismissive and impatient. He didn’t look away from the television and downplayed Martin’s concerns, suggesting that Martin was being unnecessarily fearful of an old lady.
4. How did Martin’s father respond to his fear, and what was his advice?
Answer: Martin’s father responded with frustration and impatience, urging Martin to grow up and act like a man. He dismissed Martin’s fear as timidity and questioned when Martin would stop being afraid of things.
5. What happened when Martin saw the fat lady in the elevator the next morning?
Answer: When Martin saw the fat lady in the elevator the next morning, he was paralyzed with fear and backed away. The fat lady’s expression changed to a smile as the elevator door slammed shut, leaving Martin feeling more terrified.
6. Why might Martin’s father’s dismissive attitude toward his son’s fear be problematic for Martin’s emotional well-being?
Answer: Martin’s father’s dismissive attitude invalidates Martin’s feelings, making him feel unsupported and misunderstood. This lack of empathy can exacerbate Martin’s anxiety and fear, leaving him to cope with his emotions alone, which could harm his emotional well-being and self-esteem.
7. How does the fat lady’s unpredictable behavior contribute to the overall tension in the story?
Answer: The fat lady’s unpredictable behavior, such as changing floors and staring at Martin, creates a sense of instability and fear. This unpredictability makes her a menacing presence, heightening the tension and keeping both Martin and the reader on edge about what she might do next.
8. What could the fat lady’s smile as the elevator door closed symbolize in Martin’s mind?
Answer: The fat lady’s smile as the elevator door closed could symbolize a sense of threat and control over Martin. It might represent her awareness of Martin’s fear and her enjoyment of his discomfort, intensifying his sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
The Elevator Questions Answers, Extract-Based: Set 6
6. Read the extract from William Sleator’s short story, ‘The Elevator’ given below and answer the questions that follow.
Martin started running down the stairs. The stairs were dark and he fell. His father was silent on the way to hospital, disappointed and with him for being a coward and a fool. Martin had broken his leg and needed to walk on crutches. He could not use the stairs now. Was that why the fat lady had smiled? Did she know what would happen?
At least his father was with him in the elevator on the way back from the hospital. There was no room for the fat lady to get in, and if she did, his father would see her and maybe he would understand. When he got home, he could stay in the apartment for a few days. The doctor said that he had to rest as much as possible, Martin felt quite safe from the fat lady now.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” his father reached out and pressed number nine.
“What are you doing?” asked Martin, trying not to sound afraid.
“I promised to visit Mrs. Ullman,” said his father, looking at his watch as he stepped out of the elevator.
“Let me go with you. I want to visit her too!” Martin pleaded, struggling to move on his crutches.
But the door was already closing. “Afraid to be in the elevator alone?” said his father. “Grow up, Martin”. The door slammed shut.
Martin hobbled to the buttons and pressed nine, but it didn’t do any good. The elevator stopped at ten, where the fat lady was waiting for him. She moved in quickly, and he was too slow to get past her in time to get out. The door closed and the elevator began to move.
“Hello, Martin,” she said, and laughed, and pushed the Stop button.
1. Why did Martin start running down the stairs, and what was the consequence of this action?
Answer: Martin started running down the stairs because he was afraid of the fat lady in the elevator. As a consequence, he fell in the dark stairwell, broke his leg, and needed crutches, making it impossible for him to use the stairs anymore.
2. How did Martin feel about being in the elevator with his father after his accident?
Answer: Martin felt somewhat safe in the elevator with his father because there was no room for the fat lady to get in. He hoped that if she did appear, his father would see her and understand his fear.
3. What did Martin’s father do after they returned from the hospital, and how did Martin react?
Answer: Martin’s father pressed the button for the ninth floor to visit Mrs. Ullman. Martin, feeling afraid, pleaded to go with him, but his father dismissed his fear, telling him to grow up, and left Martin alone in the elevator.
4. What was Martin’s father’s reaction to Martin’s fear of being alone in the elevator?
Answer: Martin’s father reacted dismissively to Martin’s fear of being alone in the elevator. He told Martin to grow up and acted impatiently, closing the elevator door and leaving Martin behind.
Answer: When Martin tried to press the button for the ninth floor, the elevator did not stop there. Instead, it stopped at the tenth floor, where the fat lady was waiting for him, preventing him from escaping.
6. What did the fat lady do when she entered the elevator on the tenth floor?
Answer: When the fat lady entered the elevator on the tenth floor, she quickly moved in, blocking Martin from escaping. She then greeted him with a laugh and pressed the Stop button, trapping him inside the elevator.
7. How does Martin’s injury affect his sense of security regarding the elevator and the fat lady?
Answer: Martin’s injury exacerbates his fear because it confines him to using the elevator. The accident, coupled with his father’s dismissive attitude, leaves him feeling vulnerable and trapped, heightening his anxiety about encountering the fat lady again.
8. Why do you think Martin’s father consistently dismisses his fears, and what impact does this have on Martin?
Answer: Martin’s father dismisses his fears because he believes Martin needs to be more courageous and mature. This dismissive attitude undermines Martin’s confidence and emotional security, making him feel isolated and more fearful rather than supported.
9. What significance does the fat lady’s smile hold in the context of Martin’s accident and subsequent encounters with her?
Answer: The fat lady’s smile suggests a sinister awareness of Martin’s predicament. It implies that she might have anticipated or even relished his accident, increasing the sense of menace and psychological terror she represents in Martin’s mind.
Answer: The author builds suspense by gradually increasing the intensity of Martin’s encounters with the fat lady. Her unpredictable appearances, penetrating stares, and eventual entrapment of Martin in the elevator create a sense of escalating dread and helplessness.
FAQs on The Elevator Questions Answers
What is “The Elevator” by William Sleator about?
Ans: “The Elevator” by William Sleator is a suspenseful short story about Martin, a twelve-year-old boy who is terrified of the old, small elevator in his apartment building. His fear intensifies when a strange, intimidating fat lady starts staring at him in the elevator, making his daily rides even more unsettling and anxiety-ridden.
What happened at the end of “The Elevator”?
Ans: At the end of “The Elevator,” Martin, now on crutches after a fall, finds himself trapped in the elevator with the fat lady once again. She smiles menacingly and pushes the stop button, leaving Martin in a state of heightened fear and uncertainty about what will happen next.
What is the main idea of the story “The Elevator”?
Ans: The main idea of “The Elevator” is to explore the nature of fear and anxiety, particularly how they can be exacerbated by physical and emotional vulnerabilities. Martin’s fear of the elevator and the strange fat lady symbolizes his broader struggles with courage and overcoming his personal insecurities.
What is the theme in “The Elevator”?
Ans: The theme in “The Elevator” revolves around fear, anxiety, and the feeling of helplessness. It also touches on the idea of facing one’s fears and the psychological impact of being bullied or feeling powerless in threatening situations.
What is the central message or theme?
Ans: The central message or theme of “The Elevator” is that fear can be overwhelming and paralyzing, especially when it is not confronted. The story highlights the importance of facing one’s fears rather than letting them control one’s actions and life.
What is the central idea of the story?
Ans: The central idea of “The Elevator” is the intense and often irrational nature of fear. Martin’s encounters with the elevator and the fat lady serve as a metaphor for his broader anxieties and the challenges of overcoming them.
What is the central theme of a story?
Ans: The central theme of a story is the underlying message or main point that the author wants to convey. In “The Elevator,” the central theme is the paralyzing effect of fear and the struggle to overcome it.
What is the moral of the story?
Ans: The moral of “The Elevator” is that one must confront and overcome their fears to avoid being controlled by them. The story suggests that allowing fear to dominate can lead to increased anxiety and potentially dangerous situations, as seen with Martin’s experiences in the elevator.
