The Red Room H.G.Wells 1896 Focus: To understand the background of the story To examine the culture of the story To gain an understanding of the text

Background People in the late 19th century were very interested in the sciences, but there was still a strong interest in the supernatural H.G.Wells was well known for his stories about science, society and the future Many of his books predicted humankind would destroy itself

Background cont… Wells used his wealth and respect to write and influence people to change society Sometimes the readers loved Wells’ books and told everybody about them Though sometimes there were riots tryng to persuade people not to buy his books because of issues like woman’s rights and his criticism of the slums Wells was very interested in discussing and implementing social reform. He published a number of critical pamphlets attacking the Victorian social order

Plot Read through the story List the main events in the order they occur…. The narrator speaks to the two people about his lack of fear of the room. …

Setting Where is the story set? Find phrases to describe the setting. How does this create atmosphere n the story?

Characters There are four characters: The narrator The man with the withered arm The old woman The man with the shade What are the principle characteristics of the narrator and the old people? Do the characters or the relationship change throughout the story?

Point of View There are three types of point of view used in writing: First person Second person Third person What is the effect of the first person narration in this story? How does Wells’ choice of POV affect our reaction to the story and the characters?

Questions How does the writer make us aware of the narrator’s change in mood? The story was published in 1896. How does this show in the attitude of the narrator? How does the narrator try to keep control of his fear? What does this tell us about him?

Questions cont… 5. How is the narrator’s gradual descent into terror shown? (look closely at the use of language) 6. How is the narrator’s experience explained at the end of the story? 7. Is Wells trying to make a point or to make you think of something? 8. Do you agree with him?