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Syllabus

The Elevator — Syllabus

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

The Elevator topics: Plot Summary, Characters, Setting and Atmosphere, plus 1 more. Part of the ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest syllabus.

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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4 Topics · ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories) · 2026-27

Topics in The Elevator

1

Plot Summary

  • Martin and his father move into a 17-storey apartment building, and their apartment is on the 17th floor.
  • The building elevator is old, small, dim, and unreliable.
  • Martin has claustrophobia, so the elevator makes him feel trapped and afraid.
2

Characters

  • Martin is the 12-year-old protagonist.
  • He suffers from claustrophobia and feels deep fear in closed spaces.
  • Martin is sensitive, aware of his fear, and ashamed of it, but he cannot control it.
3

Setting and Atmosphere

  • The story is set in a 17-storey apartment building.
  • Martin and his father live on the 17th floor.
  • The elevator is old, small, dim, and unreliable.
4

Themes

  • Fear and phobia are presented as real and serious, not childish weakness.
  • Claustrophobia is shown as a physical and emotional experience.
  • Isolation is important because Martin is alone, new to the building, injured, and unsupported at key moments.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Psychological horror built around fear, confinement, and an unexplained final threat

MartinMartin's fatherThe fat woman in the green coatClaustrophobiaThe elevatorAvoidance and ironySuspense and atmosphereOpen ending

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

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