1. What is the implied source of the infestation in "The Mist"? How does he make this implication? What do you think King is trying to say with this implication?

2. What is the purpose of King's use of a "Wouldn't it be funny if . . . ?" beginning to his short stories? What do you think this method adds to or detracts from his stories?

3. "Word Processor of the Gods" could fit into several different genres. Which genre do you think it fits into best and why?

4. Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect; an extravagant statement. For example, "The sun was blindingly bright and hotter than ten thousand fires." Give an example of hyperbole from "The Wedding Gig" and give an explanation of why King uses it in this story.

5. In "Word Processor of the Gods," what do you think about Richard's choice of his brother's family over his own? Is a choice made of faithfulness or greed?

6. In "Here There Be Tygers", Charles returns to his classroom casually after the deaths of his teacher and classmate. What do you think this implies about what Charles has just experienced?

7. The creator of the teleportation device used in the jaunt first experimented with mice. What is the significance of the first trip taken by the mice?

8. What seems to be the catalyst for Curt's break in sanity?

9. In "Paranoid: A Chant," there are several instances in which the narrator is showing how obviously disturbed he is. Give one such example and tell why you think that example fits.

10. In what format is "Paranoid: A Chant" written, and what significance does it lend to the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is the use of an object, character, figure, place, or color to represent an abstract idea or concept. Stephen King uses symbolism quite readily in his writing. Give three examples of symbolism in "Skeleton Crew" and describe how the use of those symbols makes the story more interesting.

Essay Topic 2

An epiphany is a sudden, powerful, and often life changing realization that a character experiences in an otherwise ordinary moment. Can you think of an epiphany in "Word Processor of the Gods"? What is the epiphany? How will it change that character's life?

Essay Topic 3

The general atmosphere created in a story is often referred to as "tone." Identify the tone of the following short stories and describe how it adds or detracts from the story itself:

1. "The Mist"

2. "The Reaper's Image"

3. "For Owen"

4. Either of the "Milkman" stories

5. "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut"

(see the answer keys)

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