The Substitute

Question

Nate Dern

Calvin realized he’d been standing in front of the closed door for quite some time. But he also noticed the classroom was strangely silent. No droning, tedious words coming from Mr. Taupe; no overeager questions from the so-called smart kids trying to show off.

He opened the door. The classroom was empty except for a lone figure standing in front of the whiteboard. He wore a form fitting black suit that shimmered, a white shirt and black pencil tie, and oversized glasses that peaked at the corners — a style Calvin had never seen before. Calvin had an innate distrust of authority figures in general, but something about this figure in particular was especially unnerving. He realized it was the man’s eyes, which sparkled with dark purpose. They reminded Calvin of a nature documentary Mr. Taupe showed them where a rat snake was stalking a bird’s nest, waiting for the right moment to strike.

“Hello, Calvin,” the man said. “You’re late.”

“Who are you?” Calvin asked.

“Mr. K,” he replied with a curt nod. “I’m the substitute teacher.”

With the suit? And those glasses?

“What happened to Mr. Taupe?”

“Mr. Taupe is fine.”

“So why isn’t he here?”

“Because I am, Calvin.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Like I said, I’m the substitute,” Mr. K said. “Any information I need is provided to me.”

“So you’re going to teach the class?” Calvin asked and gestured to the empty seats.

“I dismissed them early,” Mr. K said. “Today’s lesson only applies to you. Please, have a seat.”

Write: What is Calvin's initial point of view about Mr. K? How do you know?

Complete the sentence starter in the space below: Calvin's initial point of view about Mr. K is ...... I know this because ..........

Answer 1

Calvin's initial point of view about Mr. K is one of wariness and distrust. I know this because he feels an innate distrust of authority figures in general, and he specifically notes that something about Mr. K is especially unnerving, particularly his eyes, which remind Calvin of a predatory snake. His immediate questions about Mr. K's identity and the absence of Mr. Taupe further illustrate his suspicion and discomfort with the situation.