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The Elevator — Flashcards

ICSE · Class 10 · English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)

28 flashcards for The Elevator (ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest) to test yourself on key terms and facts.

68 questions28 flashcards5 concepts

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A flowchart illustrating the key events and escalating suspense in William Sleator's 'The Elevator', from Martin's move to the final encounter.
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28 Flashcards·
Character IntroductionKey VocabularySetting and AtmosphereLiterary DeviceCharacter AnalysisPlot DevelopmentTheme and Irony
Card 1Character Introduction

Who is Martin in The Elevator?

Answer

Martin is the 12-year-old protagonist. He is new to the 17th-floor apartment building and suffers from claustrophobia, which makes the elevator frightening for him.

Card 2Key Vocabulary

What is claustrophobia?

Answer

Claustrophobia is an intense fear of small or enclosed spaces. In the story, Martin feels panic in the cramped elevator, so the fear is shown as real and physical, not as simple nervousness.

Card 3Setting and Atmosphere

Why is the elevator important in the story?

Answer

The elevator is the main setting where the fear grows. It is small, old, dim, and unreliable, so it creates a trapped and uneasy feeling. It also becomes the place where the final horror happens.

Card 4Literary Device

What does the line "The elevator was very small and very old." suggest?

Answer

It creates an immediate sense of confinement and unease. The description makes the elevator feel unsafe and uncomfortable, which matches Martin’s fear and builds suspense from the start.

Card 5Character Analysis

Describe Martin's father in the story.

Answer

Martin's father is practical and no-nonsense. He dismisses Martin's fear as weakness and insists that Martin use the elevator instead of climbing 17 flights of stairs. He is not a villain, but his att…

Card 6Plot Development

Why does Martin start taking the stairs?

Answer

Martin starts taking the stairs to avoid the elevator and the silent woman inside it. His fear of meeting her again is stronger than his wish to obey his father.

Card 7Plot Development

What happens to Martin when he uses the stairs?

Answer

Martin injures himself while using the stairs. He breaks a bone in his foot, or in some versions twists his ankle badly, and this leaves him on crutches.

Card 8Theme and Irony

Why is Martin's injury important to the story?

Answer

The injury removes Martin’s last escape route. Because he is on crutches, he cannot use the stairs easily, so he becomes completely dependent on the elevator, which increases the tension.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Elevator for ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)?
Key topics in The Elevator include Plot Summary, Characters, Setting and Atmosphere, Themes. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How many flashcards are available for The Elevator?
There are 28 flashcards for The Elevator covering key definitions, facts and ideas. A few sample cards are shown on this page.
How should I revise The Elevator for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 68 practice questions on The Elevator. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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