Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket By Jack Finney Available on Commonlit. Licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0

Question

[...]
[69] He heard the sound, felt the blow, felt himself falling forward, and his hand closed on the living-room curtains, the shards and fragments of glass showering onto the floor. And then, kneeling there on the ledge. an arm thrust into the room up to the shoulder, he began picking away the protruding slivers and great wedges of glass from the window frame, tossing them in onto the rug. And, as he grasped the edges of the empty window frame and climbed into his home, he was grinning in triumph.
[70] He did not lie down on the floor or run through the apartment, as he had promised himself; even in the first few moments it seemed to him natural and normal that he should be where he was. He simply turned to his desk, pulled the crumpled yellow sheet from his pocket, and laid it down where it had been, smoothing it out; then he absently laid a pencil across it to weigh it down. He shook his head wonderingly, and turned to walk toward the closet.
[71] There he got out his topcoat and hat and, without waiting to put them on, opened the front door and stepped out, to go find his wife. He turned to pull the door closed and the warm air from the hall rushed through the narrow opening again. As he saw the yellow paper, the pencil flying, scooped off the desk and, unimpeded by the glassless window, sail out into the night and out of his life, Tom Benecke burst into laughter and then closed the door behind him.

whs of the following most directly develops a theme of the excerpt?
rom's thumph upon successfully re-entening his apartment. Tom's decision not to celebrate but to go find his wife.
Tom's reflection on the absurdity of the situation as he bursts into laughter.
D. The yellow paper flying out the window, symbolizing the futility of his earlier efforts
Which quotations best emphasize Tom's resilience and determination? Select TWO correct answers.
☐ He heard the sound, felt the blow, felt himself falling forward. (paragraph 69)
And, as he grasped the edges of the empty window frame and climbed into his home, he was grinning in triumph. (paragraph 69)
He did not lie down on the floor or run through the apartment. (paragraph 70) He turned to pull the door closed and the warm air from the hall rushed through the narrow
opening again. (paragraph 71) Tom Benecke burst into laughter and then closed the door behind him. (paragraph 71)
Discuss how Tom's relationships and interactions with his environment influence his actions and emotions in the narrative. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Remember to
Answer the question
Cite evidence from the texts
Explain your reasoning
Summarize key points

Answer 1

In "Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket," Tom Benecke's relationships and interactions with his environment significantly influence his actions and emotions throughout the narrative. The excerpt showcases Tom's resilience and determination, particularly in the face of an unexpected crisis that threatens his life and his priorities.

Initially, Tom's fixation on the yellow sheet of paper represents his professional ambitions and his attachment to success. The paper, containing critical work information, drives him to venture out onto a precarious ledge to retrieve it. This moment illustrates how Tom's environment—specifically his apartment and the physical space surrounding it—serves as both a source of tension and a backdrop for his internal conflict. The decision to risk his safety for a piece of paper highlights his overwhelming desire to succeed and be seen as competent, which is a reflection of his relationship with his work.

The turning point occurs when Tom falls and realizes the gravity of his situation. Rather than succumbing to fear or despair after his risky adventure, Tom exhibits resilience. His triumphant grin upon climbing back into his apartment indicates a sense of accomplishment, despite the danger he faced. The moment encapsulates his determination to confront challenges head-on, showcasing how his environment—a space synonymous with his ambitions—continues to influence him even after the physical danger has passed.

Two quotations that emphasize Tom's resilience and determination are:

1. "And, as he grasped the edges of the empty window frame and climbed into his home, he was grinning in triumph. (paragraph 69)" This reveals Tom's immediate emotional response of triumph upon successfully overcoming a life-threatening challenge.

2. "He did not lie down on the floor or run through the apartment. (paragraph 70)" This choice reflects his grounded attitude and his decision to take control of the situation rather than succumb to panic.

Ultimately, Tom's interactions with his environment and his reflections on his priorities transform him. While initially he is deeply absorbed in his work, the experience forces him to reassess what is truly important—his relationships, particularly with his wife. As he steps out to find her, it signifies a shift in his values, suggesting that personal connections matter more than his professional aspirations. When the yellow paper sails out the window, it becomes a symbol of the futility of his earlier efforts, reinforcing the idea that he has gleaned important insights from his harrowing experience.

In summary, Tom Benecke's experiences highlight how relationships and environmental interactions shape human behavior. His journey from obsession with work to understanding the value of personal connections demonstrates the profound impact that life's challenges can have on one's priorities and emotional landscape.