The Contents of the Dead Man's Pockets

As "Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" begins, why does Tom Benecke have a guilty conscience?

• He has chosen to work instead of going out with his wife

• He knows he could be working harder

What is on the yellow piece of paper Tom wants to retrieve?

• facts, quotations, and figures that support a business idea

• the brilliant final paragraph of the memorandum he is writing

How does Tom feel about retrieving the yellow sheet of paper?

• He is torn; he knows the information can be replaced but wants it now

• He knows he doesn't need it but goes to get it on a personal dare

Epiphany-a moment of sudden insight in which the nature of a person, thing, or situation is revealed.

What epiphany does Tom have as he realizes he might die?

• He has spent too much time on work and not enough time with his wife

• He should have stayed in better shape, playing basketball and lifting weights

A theme is a central message or perception about life that is revealed through a literary work.

Tom would have expressed the theme for his life differently before his experience on the ledge.

Which of the following statements best expresses a theme he would write for his life at the end of the story?

• A relationship with someone you love is far more important than a career

• Make sure your windows close properly, and keep important documents safe

What event happened 1st in

"Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket"

• Clare says goodbye to Tom and goes to the movies without him

• A piece of paper is sucked out an open window

• Tom puts on his tweed jacket and climbs onto the ledge

• Tom falls and hangs onto the windowsill by his fingertips

• Tom breaks the window, shouting the name “Clare!”

What event happened 2nd in

"Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket"

• A piece of paper is sucked out an open window

• Clare says goodbye to Tom and goes to the movies without him

• Tom puts on his tweed jacket and climbs onto the ledge

• Tom falls and hangs onto the windowsill by his fingertips

• Tom breaks the window, shouting the name “Clare!”

What event happened 3rd in

"Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket"

• Tom puts on his tweed jacket and climbs onto the ledge

• Clare says goodbye to Tom and goes to the movies without him

• A piece of paper is sucked out an open window

• Tom falls and hangs onto the windowsill by his fingertips

• Tom breaks the window, shouting the name “Clare!”

What event happened 4th in

"Contents of the Dead Man's

Pocket"

• Tom falls and hangs onto the windowsill by his fingertips

• Clare says goodbye to Tom and goes to the movies without him

• A piece of paper is sucked out an open window

• Tom puts on his tweed jacket and climbs onto the ledge

• Tom breaks the window, shouting the name “Clare!”

What event happened 5th in

"Contents of the Dead Man's

Pocket"

• Tom breaks the window, shouting the name “Clare!”

• Clare says goodbye to Tom and goes to the movies without him

• A piece of paper is sucked out an open window

• Tom puts on his tweed jacket and climbs onto the ledge

• Tom falls and hangs onto the windowsill by his fingertips