1. Identify and briefly define important words, terms, concepts, or characters.
Mike Enslin- Ghost story writer and author of books such as “Ten Nights in Haunted Houses” as well as other “Ten Nights” books. In addition to being a skeptic of ghosts and hauntings, Enslin also claims to be an atheist.
Mr. Olin- Hotel Manager of the Dolphin since 1979. Tries to warn Mike about Room 1408 and is genuinely afraid of the room.
Room 1408- A supposedly haunted room in the Dolphin hotel. 42 deaths have occurred directly in the room, with 12 being suicides.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
A skeptic (Enslin) is forced to believe in something supernatural. At first thinking his paranormal visions are due to Mr. Olin, the hotel manager filling him with scary tales, Enslin eventually succumbs to the room’s odd behavior and begins believing in an inhuman being. The room almost “wins” though, and Mike sets himself on fire, gaining enough of a clear head to escape the room.
“It was never human” he (Enslin) told the incoming waves in a choked, halting voice. “Ghost…at least ghosts were once human. The thing in the wall, though…that thing…”
The mood can be defined as “creepy”, with walls melting and pictures changing right before Enslin’s eyes.
“No, not here yet…but coming…it’s hungry, and you’re dinner.”
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
What kinds of imagery does King use to add to the “creepiness” of 1408 and how does that play into the reader’s fears? Does certain used keep the reader wondering as to what is behind the room’s “evil” nature?
2 comments:
The imagery King uses to add to the "creepiness" of 1408 would have to be the visuals that come to the reader's mind. King allows us to visualize our own scenes, and allows us to create our own "creepiness". To play into the reader's fears would be the known facts of the room:1408. There were 42 deaths that occurred in that one room, as well as ghosts and hauntings. The subject of the story, as well as all the odd coincidences would also play into the reader's fears.
We do keep wondering what is behind 1408 and the suspense is what draws readers in. We know the facts about 1408 but we still are intriged about what our experiences may come from it. I also happen to agree with Avalon's interpretation that the author plays on our fears and uses that to draw us in,and that visuals that come to mind are what make you feel you are apart of the scene.
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