A good short story leads the reader along. Sometimes it is based on an interplay of ideas; sometimes it deals with conflict between characters; sometimes it just relies on a series of simple events, skilfully arranged. The following story does all three, it considers the idea of love, it develops the tensions between a man anda woman; above all, it depends on its simplicity, culminating in a neat climax. It was originally submitted to the Evening News, a London newspaper that included a daily short story. It subjects us to the uncertainty that lies at the heart of many relationships, the feeling that one party does not really know what the other is thinking.
1 Purpose - How would you describe the relationship between Robert and Cynthia?
2 Technique- What images and comparisons are used to describe the relationship between Robert and Cynthia in the course of this short story?
3. Response- For whom do you feel more sympathy- Robert or Cynthia?
4. Write- Add to your short story a plot device where the tables are turned on one of the two main characters.
4. Justify- How does Terry Tap's writing inspire you to craft your own piece?