The Elevator

The Elevator
By William Sleator
Building

 Old building

Elevator

 Very small, could carry only three people
 Unpleasant → poor lighting, dirty walls
 Door never stayed open long enough, slammed shut
with a loud, clanging noise
 It shuddered each time it left a floor
 Seemed crowded even with only two people in it

Stairs

 No windows, lights were not working
 Footsteps echoed behind on the cement as though
there was another person climbing → getting closer

Martin’s Floor

 17th floor (chose)

Why was Martin always uncomfortable in the elevator?

 He was always uncomfortable in the elevator
 The elevator was extremely unpleasant (reasons given
above)
 Martin was afraid that the elevator would stop suddenly
and he would be trapped inside for hours
 He didn’t like to be close to other passengers