Foreshadowing is a technique used by storytellers in tales of suspense. The writer gives the reader little clues all through the story. You only really notice them and realise their importance when you read the story a second time. The following questions will help you to look for examples of foreshadowing in this story. You may add others that you noticed yourself.
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3. 4. 5. 6.
At a distance, the houses look rich and impressive, but when you look closer you notice other things. What do you notice?
Draw a picture of the sign and what stands beneath it. Might this drawing remind you of something else?
Mention some of the things that Billy likes when he looks in the window. What does each word on the sign look strangely like to him? What does the peculiar smell remind him of?
What does the landlady say they don’t want to do at this stage in the proceedings?
Building Up Suspense Read back over the story for the answers to these questions
PART 1 – Approaching the house
1. What is the weather like when Billy steps out of the station on to the street? 2. Write the first five words of the paragraph that tells you that Billy is young and innocent and anxious to impress if he can.
PART 2 – The first conversation
1. What surprises Billy about his entrance into the hall? 2. ‘She seemed terribly nice.’ What does she say or do that makes her seem so ‘terribly nice’ to Billy?
3. What adjectives does Billy use to describe the landlady’s face, eyes and lips?
4. What does the landlady call her house when she talks about the pleasure of welcoming a visitor?
5. Are there any moments when you suspect that something sinister may be going on or that the landlady may not be the ‘kind and generous soul’ that Billy supposes?
6. What does she say about signing the book?
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Fun FAct
Roald Dahl wrote only by hand, in pencil, and always on yellow paper.
