Questions on Sinclair Ross' The Painted Door

English 11/12 Name:
Short Stories

“The Painted Door” by Sinclair Ross
After reading the story, answer the following questions in writing, using complete sentences. Each question is worth 5 marks, and so should include approximately five meaningful sentences. 1. What early indications in the story suggest Ann’s discontent with her marriage to
John? To what extent do you think this is justified? To what extent might her dissatisfaction be explained by the isolation and bleakness of the prairie winter setting? 2. What effect does loneliness have on Ann after John leaves the house? 3. In what ways does the natural landscape serve as a metaphor for Ann’s emotional
“landscape”? How does the growing storm outside parallel Ann’s feelings? 4. Choose ONE of the following statements and either support or refute it using evidence from the story.
a. Ann’s act with Steven was committed on purpose, as a clear statement of defiance after seven years of “ever­lurking silence”.
b. Steven is an opportunist who quickly assesses the situation and is confident that he can take advantage of it.
c. John is a victim – not of the snow, but of his wife’s betrayal. 5. How does Ann’s sense of guilt almost immediately begin to manifest itself?
What does she resolve to do? Had John not returned that night as he did, and the story were to continue, do you think Ann would do this? Explain. 6. Identify any symbols or motifs that you found in the story. What did they add to the story? 7. Describe the author’s style. Comment on the effectiveness of that style in relation to the story’s content or theme. 8. Some readers regard the ending as a surprise ending, yet it shouldn’t come as a surprise since Ross has carefully prepared the reader for the outcome through extensive foreshadowing. Identify some of the signs of the inevitably tragic resolution of the story. 9. Without using the words “all”, “every”, “always” or “never”, write a theme statement that is true to the characters in the story.

Creative Written Response (Bonus) Choose either Steven or Ann. As that character, write a letter to the other character expressing his or her thoughts and feeling about the events after the discovery of John.

English 11/12 Name:
Short Stories

Your response should be at least 300 words, typed or hand drafted.