The Elevator by William Sleator, Part one:
It was an old
building with an old elevator – a very small elevator, which could carry only
three people. Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first
day he and his father moved into the apartment. Of course he was always
uncomfortable in elevators, afraid that they would fall, but this one was
especially unpleasant. Perhaps this was because of the poor lighting and the
dirty walls. Perhaps it was because of the door, which never stayed open long
enough, and slammed shut with a loud clanging noise. Perhaps it was the way the
elevator shuddered each time it left a floor, as if it was exhausted. Maybe it
was simply too small. It seemed crowded even with only two people in it.
The stairs were no better. Martin tried them one day
after school. There were no windows, and the lights were not working. Martin’s
footsteps echoed behind him on the cement, as though there was another person
climbing, getting closer. By the time he reached his home on the seventeenth
floor, he was gasping for breath.
Martin’s father worked at home. He wanted to know why
Martin was out of breath. “Why didn’t you take the elevator?” he asked,
frowning at Martin. You’re not only skinny and weak and bad at sports, his face
seemed to say, but you are also a coward. After that, Martin always took the
elevator. He would have to get used to it, he told himself, just like he got
used to being bullied at school.
But he didn’t get used to it. He was always afraid
that it would stop suddenly and he would be trapped inside it for hours by
himself. But it wasn’t much better when there were other passengers. He didn’t
like to be close to them. He also disliked the way people tried hard not to
look at one another, staring at nothing.
One morning the elevator stopped at the fourteenth
floor, and a fat lady got on. She was wearing an old green coat that ballooned
around her. As she waddled into the elevator, Martin was sure he felt it sink
under her weight. She was so big that her coat brushed against him, and he had
to squeeze himself into a corner. There was no room for anybody else. The door
closed quickly behind her, and instead of facing it, she turned around and
stared at Martin.
He looked at her for a moment. She had large fleshy
cheeks and no chin, just a huge mass of neck. Her blue eyes were tiny but
sharp. They seemed to be boring into Martin’s face.
Martin looked away, but the woman didn’t turn around.
Was she still looking at him? He glanced at her quickly, then looked away
again. She was still watching him. He wanted to close his eyes, he wanted to
turn around and stare into the corner, but how could he? The elevator creaked
down to twelve, then eleven. The piggy eyes were still looking at him. She had
to be crazy. Why else would she stare at him like this? What was she going to
do next?
She did nothing. She only watched him, breathing
loudly, until the elevator reached the first floor at last. Martin wanted to
run past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as she
turned and moved slowly out into the lobby. Then he ran. He didn’t care what
she thought. He ran nearly all the way to school.
He thought about her all day. Did she live in the
building? He had never seen her before, and the building was not very big.
Maybe she was visiting somebody? But 7.30 in the morning was too early for
visiting.
English Paraphrase:
The story "The Elevator" by William Sleator
revolves around a young boy named Martin, who lives in an old building with a
faulty elevator. Martin is uncomfortable in the elevator, which is small,
dirty, and often malfunctions. The elevator's poor lighting, dirty walls, and
loud clanging noise make Martin anxious. He is also afraid of being trapped
inside the elevator. One day, Martin tries to take the stairs, but the lack of
windows and non-functional lights make him feel uneasy. His father, who works
from home, scolds him for not taking the elevator and implies that Martin is
weak and cowardly.
Martin's fear of the elevator persists, and he is
uncomfortable around other passengers. One morning, a fat lady wearing an old
green coat gets into the elevator, making Martin feel trapped. The lady stares
at Martin, making him extremely uncomfortable. Martin tries to avoid her gaze,
but she continues to stare at him until they reach the first floor. Martin is
relieved to escape the elevator and runs to school, thinking about the lady and
wondering why she stared at him.
Hindi Paraphrase:
विलियम स्लीटर की कहानी
"द एलिवेटर"
एक युवा लड़के मार्टिन के इतर है,
जो एक पुरानी इंटर में रहता है जिसमें एक खराब एलिवेटर है। मार्टिन एलिवेटर में असहज महसूस करता है,
जो छोटा,
गंदा और अक्सर खराब हो जाता है। एलिवेटर की खराब रोशनी,
गंदी दीवारें,
और जोरदार आवाज मार्टिन को चिंतित करती हैं। वह एलिवेटर में फंसने के डर से भी ग्रस्त है। एक दिन,
मार्टिन सीढ़ियों का उपयोग करने की कोशिश करता है,
लेकिन खिड़कियों की कमी और खराब रोशनी उसे असहज महसूस कराती है। उसके पिता,
जो घर से काम करते हैं,
उसे एलिवेटर नहीं लेने के लिए डांटते हैं और इतर करते हैं कि मार्टिन कमजोर और कायर है।
मार्टिन का एलिवेटर का डर बना रहता है,
और वह अन्य यात्रियों के आसपास असहज महसूस करता है। एक सुबह,
एक मोटी महिला एक पुराने हरे रंग के कोट में एलिवेटर में चढ़ती है,
जिससे मार्टिन फंस जाता है। महिला मार्टिन को घूरती है,
जिससे वह अत्यधिक असहज महसूस करता है। मार्टिन उसकी नजर से बचने की कोशिश करता है,
लेकिन वह उसे तब तक घूरती रहती है जब तक वे पहले मंजिल पर नहीं पहुंच जाते। मार्टिन एलिवेटर से बचने के लिए खुश होता है और स्कूल की ओर भागता है,
महिला के बारे में सोचते हुए और आश्चर्य करते हुए कि उसने उसे क्यों घूरा।
Glossary
1. Unpleasant (English) - अप्रिय
(Hindi) - causing discomfort or anxiety
2. Slammed (English) - जोर से बंद होना
(Hindi) - to close something forcefully and loudly
3. Clanging (English) - कड़कड़ाने की आवाज
(Hindi) - a loud, harsh noise
4. Shuddered (English) - झटका लगना
(Hindi) - to shake or tremble violently
5. Exhausted (English) - थका हुआ
(Hindi) - extremely tired
6. Gasping (English) - सांस लेने के लिए संघर्ष करना
(Hindi) - struggling to breathe
7. Frowning (English) - भौंहें चढ़ाना
(Hindi) - to show displeasure or worry
8. Skinny (English) - पतला
(Hindi) - very thin
9. Coward (English) - कायर
(Hindi) - a person who is afraid to do something
10. Bullied (English) - धमकाना
(Hindi) - to intimidate or frighten someone
11. Trapped (English) - फंस जाना
(Hindi) - unable to move or escape
12. Waddled (English) - बत्तख की तरह चलना
(Hindi) - to walk with short, unsteady steps
13. Ballooned (English) - गुब्बारे की तरह फूलना
(Hindi) - to swell or expand
14. Fleshy (English) - मांसल
(Hindi) - having a lot of flesh
15. Boring (English) - छेदना
(Hindi) - to make someone feel interested or involved
16. Piggy (English) - सूअर की तरह
(Hindi) - resembling a pig
17. Creaked (English) - कड़कड़ाने की आवाज करना
(Hindi) - to make a harsh, squeaking sound
18. Lobby (English) - प्रवेश द्वार
(Hindi) - a room or area in a building where people can wait or meet
MCQs
1.
What was the condition of the elevator in the building?
a)
New and clean
b)
Old and dirty
c)
Modern and spacious
d)
Broken and unusable
Ans.
b) Old and dirty
2.
How many people could the elevator carry?
a)
2
b)
3
c)
4
d)
5
Ans.
b) 3
3.
Who is the main character in the story?
a)
Martin
b)
Martin's father
c)
The fat lady
d)
The building manager
Ans.
a) Martin
4.
How old is Martin?
a)
10
b)
12
c)
14
d)
16
Ans.
b) 12
5.
Why was Martin uncomfortable in the elevator?
a)
It was too crowded
b)
It was too slow
c)
It was dirty and old
d)
All of the above
Ans.
d) All of the above
6.
What did Martin try one day after school?
a)
The elevator
b)
The stairs
c)
The roof
d)
The basement
Ans.
b) The stairs
7.
Why was Martin gasping for breath when he reached his home?
a)
He was running
b)
He was climbing the stairs
c)
He was nervous
d)
He was sick
Ans.
b) He was climbing the stairs
8.
Where did Martin's father work?
a)
In an office
b)
At home
c)
At school
d)
In a store
Ans.
b) At home
9.
Why did Martin's father ask him why he was out of breath?
a)
He was worried about Martin's health
b)
He was angry with Martin
c)
He was curious about Martin's activities
d)
He was checking if Martin was doing his homework
Ans.
a) He was worried about Martin's health
10.
What did Martin's father seem to be saying with his expression?
a)
You're a great athlete
b)
You're a good student
c)
You're skinny and weak
d)
You're a brave boy
Ans.
c) You're skinny and weak
11.
What did Martin decide to do after his father's reaction?
a)
Take the stairs
b)
Take the elevator
c)
Walk to school
d)
Stay home
Ans.
b) Take the elevator
12.
What was Martin afraid would happen in the elevator?
a)
It would stop suddenly
b)
It would fall
c)
It would get stuck
d)
All of the above
Ans.
d) All of the above
13.
Who got on the elevator at the 14th floor?
a)
A thin lady
b)
A fat lady
c)
A tall man
d)
A young boy
Ans.
b) A fat lady
14.
What was the lady wearing?
a)
A red coat
b)
A green coat
c)
A blue dress
d)
A black suit
Ans.
b) A green coat
15.
How did Martin feel when the lady got on the elevator?
a)
Happy
b)
Nervous
c)
Angry
d)
Scared
Ans.
d) Scared
16.
What did Martin do when the lady stared at him?
a)
He stared back
b)
He looked away
c)
He smiled
d)
He talked to her
Ans.
b) He looked away
17.
What did the lady do while staring at Martin?
a)
She smiled
b)
She talked to him
c)
She breathed loudly
d)
She moved away
Ans.
c) She breathed loudly
18.
How did Martin feel when the elevator reached the first floor?
a)
Relieved
b)
Happy
c)
Angry
d)
Sad
Ans.
a) Relieved
19.
What did Martin do when the elevator door opened?
a)
He waited for the lady to get out
b)
He ran past her
c)
He walked slowly
d)
He stayed inside
Ans.
b) He ran past her
20.
Where did Martin go after getting out of the elevator?
a)
Home
b)
School
c)
Park
d)
Store
Ans.
b) School
21.
What did Martin think about the lady all day?
a)
She was nice
b)
She was mean
c)
She was crazy
d)
She was friendly
Ans.
c) She was crazy
22.
Did Martin know the lady?
a)
Yes
b)
No
c)
Maybe
d)
Not sure
Ans.
b) No
23.
Why did Martin think the lady was staring at him?
a)
She knew him
b)
She liked him
c)
She was crazy
d)
She was angry
Ans.
c) She was crazy
24.
What time did the incident happen?
a)
7:00 am
b)
7:30 am
c)
8:00 am
d)
9:00 am
Ans.
b) 7:30 am
25.
Why was 7:30 am considered too early for visiting?
a)
It's a busy time
b)
It's a rush hour
c)
People are still sleeping
d)
It's a school time
Ans.
c) People are still sleeping
26.
What was the building like?
a)
New and modern
b)
Old and dirty
c)
Big and spacious
d)
Small and cozy
Ans.
b) Old and dirty
27.
How many floors did the building have?
a)
10
b)
14
c)
17
d)
20
Ans.
c) 17
28.
What was Martin's problem at school?
a)
He was a good student
b)
He was a bad student
c)
He was bullied
d)
He was a teacher's pet
Ans.
c) He was bullied
29.
What did Martin's father want him to do?
a)
Take the stairs
b)
Take the elevator
c)
Walk to school
d)
Stay home
Ans.
b) Take the elevator
30.
What was Martin's biggest fear?
a)
The elevator would fall
b)
The elevator would stop suddenly
c)
The elevator would get stuck
d)
All of the above
Ans.
d) All of the above
31.
How did the lady move?
a)
Quickly
b)
Slowly
c)
Waddled
d)
Ran
Ans.
c) Waddled
32.
What did Martin do when he got to school?
a)
He told his friends about the lady
b)
He kept quiet
c)
He went to class
d)
He went home
Ans.
a) He told his friends about the lady
33.
What did Martin think the lady was going to do?
a)
Talk to him
b)
Hit him
c)
Stare at him
d)
Do nothing
Ans.
d) Do nothing
34.
What was the lady's appearance?
a)
Thin and tall
b)
Fat and short
c)
Old and weak
d)
Young and beautiful
Ans.
b) Fat and short
35.
What did Martin dislike about the elevator?
a)
The noise
b)
The smell
c)
The crowd
d)
All of the above
Ans.
d) All of the above
36.
What did Martin's father seem to think of him?
a)
He was brave
b)
He was strong
c)
He was weak
d)
He was smart
Ans.
c) He was weak
37.
What did Martin try to get used to?
a)
The elevator
b)
The stairs
c)
The school
d)
The lady
Ans.
a) The elevator
38.
What was the result of Martin's attempt to get used to the elevator?
a)
He succeeded
b)
He failed
c)
He was scared
d)
He was nervous
Ans.
b) He failed
39.
What did Martin do when he got out of the elevator?
a)
He ran
b)
He walked
c)
He waited
d)
He stared
Ans.
a) He ran
40.
What was the lady doing while staring at Martin?
a)
Smiling
b)
Breathing loudly
c)
Talking to herself
d)
Reading a book
Ans.
b) Breathing loudly
Reference
to Context 1:
"It
was an old building with an old elevator – a very small elevator, which could
carry only three people."
1.
What type of building is described in the passage?
Ans.
An old building.
2.
What is the condition of the elevator?
Ans.
It is old and small.
3.
How many people can the elevator carry?
Ans.
Three people.
4.
Who felt nervous in the elevator?
Ans.
Martin.
5.
Why did Martin feel nervous in the elevator?
Ans.
Because it was old and small.
6.
What is the name of the main character in the passage?
Ans.
Martin.
7.
How old is Martin?
Ans.
Twelve years old.
Reference
to Context 2:
"Martin’s
father worked at home. He wanted to know why Martin was out of breath."
1.
Where did Martin's father work?
Ans.
At home.
2.
Why was Martin out of breath?
Ans.
Because he climbed the stairs.
3.
What did Martin's father ask him?
Ans.
Why he didn't take the elevator.
4.
What was Martin doing when his father asked him the question?
Ans.
He was out of breath.
5.
Who is Martin's father?
Ans.
Martin's father is a character in the passage.
6.
What is Martin's problem?
Ans.
He is uncomfortable in the elevator.
7.
How did Martin's father react to Martin's condition?
Ans.
He frowned at Martin.
Reference
to Context 3:
"She
was wearing an old green coat that ballooned around her. As she waddled into
the elevator, Martin was sure he felt it sink under her weight."
1.
What was the lady wearing?
Ans.
An old green coat.
2.
How did the lady move?
Ans.
She waddled.
3.
What did Martin feel when the lady got into the elevator?
Ans.
He felt the elevator sink under her weight.
4.
Who got into the elevator?
Ans.
A fat lady.
5.
What was the colour of the lady's coat?
Ans.
Green.
6.
Why did Martin feel the elevator sink?
Ans.
Because the lady was heavy.
7.
How did Martin react to the lady's presence?
Ans.
He was uncomfortable.
Reference
to Context 4:
"Her
blue eyes were tiny but sharp. They seemed to be boring into Martin’s
face."
1.
What was the colour of the lady's eyes?
Ans.
Blue.
2.
What did the lady's eyes seem to be doing?
Ans.
Boring into Martin's face.
3.
Who was the lady staring at?
Ans.
Martin.
4.
What was Martin's reaction to the lady's stare?
Ans.
He looked away.
5.
Why did Martin look away?
Ans.
Because he was uncomfortable.
6.
What did Martin think of the lady's eyes?
Ans.
He thought they were sharp.
7.
How did the lady's eyes make Martin feel?
Ans.
Uncomfortable.
Reference
to Context 5:
"Martin
wanted to run past her to get out, but there was no room. He could only wait as
she turned and moved slowly out into the lobby."
1.
What did Martin want to do?
Ans.
Run past the lady.
2.
Why couldn't Martin run past the lady?
Ans.
Because there was no room.
3.
Where did the lady move?
Ans.
Into the lobby.
4.
How did the lady move?
Ans.
Slowly.
5.
What was Martin waiting for?
Ans.
For the lady to move out.
6.
Where was Martin trying to get to?
Ans.
Out of the elevator.
7.
How did Martin feel about the lady?
Ans.
He was uncomfortable around her.
Two-Mark
Questions
1.
What is the main character's name in the story?
Ans.
The main character's name is Martin, a twelve-year-old boy who is uncomfortable
in the elevator due to its old and dirty condition, and his fear of being
trapped.
2.
Describe the elevator in the building.
Ans.
The elevator is old, small, and dirty, with poor lighting and a loud clanging
noise. It shudders each time it leaves a floor, making Martin anxious and
uncomfortable.
3.
Why did Martin try the stairs?
Ans.
Martin tried the stairs because he was uncomfortable in the elevator and wanted
to avoid it. However, the stairs were also unpleasant, with no windows and
non-functional lights.
4.
What was Martin's father's reaction to his out-of-breath condition?
Ans.
Martin's father frowned at him and asked why he didn't take the elevator,
implying he was weak and cowardly. His facial expression made Martin feel
uncomfortable and inadequate.
5.
Who got into the elevator at the 14th floor?
Ans.
A fat lady wearing an old green coat got into the elevator at the 14th floor,
making Martin feel trapped and uncomfortable.
6.
Describe the lady's appearance.
Ans.
The lady was fat, wearing an old green coat, with large fleshy cheeks, no chin,
and tiny but sharp blue eyes. Her appearance was unusual and made Martin feel
uneasy.
7.
How did Martin feel when the lady stared at him?
Ans.
Martin felt extremely uncomfortable and looked away, trying to avoid her gaze.
He was unsure why she was staring at him and felt trapped in the elevator.
8.
Why did Martin think the lady was staring at him?
Ans.
Martin thought the lady was staring at him because she was crazy or had a
strange intention. He couldn't understand why she was looking at him so
intensely.
9.
What did Martin do when the elevator reached the first floor?
Ans.
Martin waited for the lady to move out and then ran past her to get out of the
elevator, feeling relieved to escape.
10.
Where did Martin go after getting out of the elevator?
Ans.
Martin ran nearly all the way to school after getting out of the elevator,
trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling.
11.
What was Martin's problem in the story?
Ans.
Martin's problem was his discomfort and fear of the elevator and its
passengers. He felt trapped and anxious in the elevator.
12.
How did Martin's father describe him?
Ans.
Martin's father implied that he was skinny, weak, bad at sports, and a coward
through his facial expression, making Martin feel inadequate and uncomfortable.
Three-Mark
Questions
1.
What was Martin's experience with the elevator in the building?
Ans.
Martin's experience with the elevator was unpleasant and anxiety-provoking. The
elevator was old, small, and dirty, with poor lighting and a loud clanging
noise. He felt trapped and uncomfortable, especially when other passengers were
present. His fear of the elevator stemmed from its unreliable condition and his
own vulnerability.
2.
Describe Martin's relationship with his father.
Ans.
Martin's relationship with his father is strained and critical. His father
works from home and is disappointed with Martin's physical weakness and lack of
athletic ability. He implies that Martin is a coward, making him feel
inadequate and uncomfortable. Martin seeks his father's approval but feels he
is a disappointment.
3.
What happened when the fat lady got into the elevator?
Ans.
When the fat lady got into the elevator, Martin felt trapped and uncomfortable.
She stared at him intensely, making him look away in embarrassment. The lady's
unusual behaviour and Martin's own anxiety made the situation unbearable. He
was relieved when the elevator finally reached the first floor.
4.
How did Martin feel about the lady's stare?
Ans.
Martin felt extremely uncomfortable and self-conscious about the lady's stare.
He looked away, trying to avoid her gaze, and wondered why she was staring at
him. He felt trapped and anxious, unable to escape her intense gaze. The lady's
stare made him feel uneasy and vulnerable.
5.
What did Martin do after getting out of the elevator?
Ans.
After getting out of the elevator, Martin ran nearly all the way to school,
trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling. He was relieved to escape the
lady's stare and the elevator's confines. He tried to focus on his day, but the
memory of the lady's stare lingered.
6.
Describe the setting of the story.
Ans.
The story is set in an old building with a faulty elevator and poorly
maintained stairs. The atmosphere is gloomy and oppressive, reflecting Martin's
anxiety and discomfort. The building's condition contributes to Martin's
feelings of vulnerability and fear.
7.
What is Martin's personality like?
Ans.
Martin is a timid and anxious boy, uncomfortable in situations that make him
feel vulnerable. He is self-conscious and sensitive to others' opinions,
especially his father's criticism. Martin's fears and anxieties dominate his
thoughts and actions, making him a relatable and sympathetic character.
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