The Boarded Window

How does the vast forest create a sense of foreboding? Use close reading of the text in your answer.

Describe three of the author’s techniques for creating tension in the story.

Why doesn’t Murlock cry while preparing his wife’s body for burial? How does he explain it to himself? How does the story explain it to readers?

What is the significance of the eerie forest cry the man hears? Why does it happen after he is asleep? What does the cry symbolize in the story?

Why does Murlock keep falling asleep while standing guard over his wife’s body? What is he failing to do? What is he protecting himself from?

Murlock grabs his rifle and fires it without aiming. What is his purpose in doing so? Suggest at least two reasons.

Is Murlock right to blame himself for his wife’s death? Explain your reasoning.

Why does Murlock board up the window? What does the boarded up window symbolize?