You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. Michael Jordan
Idea Transcript
Hour: ____ Name: _______________________________
“The Chaser” By John Collier _____ 1. Which is the best description of Alan Austen at the start of the story? A. He is excited about to explore the old man’s bottles and jars. B. He is angry that it took him so long to locate the old man’s residence. C. He feels anxious about visiting the old man. D. He appears calm despite the dangers the old man poses. _____ 2. All of the following are true about the old man’s “glove cleaner” potion except... A. It is imperceptible in various drinks. B. The old man says it is not detectable to any known method of autopsy. C. It is not colorful and resembles water. D. The old man says the potion is poisonous. _____ 3. What else does the old man call the “glove cleaner” potion? A. A “life cleaner.” B. A “shoe cleaner.” C. A “soul cleaner.” D. A “heart cleaner.” _____ 4. How much does the old man charge for a teaspoonful of the “glove cleaner” potion? A. $5 B. $1,000 C. $5,000 D. $10,000 _____ 5. What specific type of product does Alan want from the old man? A. An aging potion. B. A love potion. C. A healing potion. D. A paralysis potion. _____ 6. True or false: The effects of the potion Alan wants to buy are only temporary. T. True F. False
_____ 7. All of the following are side effects of the potion Alan wants to buy except… A. Jealousy. B. Intensified emotions. C. A loss of interest in almost everything. D. Death. _____ 8. How much does the old man charge for the potion Alan wants? A. $1 B. $1,000 C. $5,000 D. $1 million _____ 9. Which of the following best reflects the old man’s philosophy? A. He must charge a lot for all his elixirs because there is high demand, and only he can make them all effective. B. He will please a customer by selling a less expensive item, knowing they will eventually return to buy additional items, even if those items are more costly. C. He will adjust the cost of his potions based upon his clients’ unique circumstances; he is most interested in improving the livelihoods of his clients -- not making money. 10. Consider why the author chose to title the story “The Chaser.” What is the meaning/significance of the title?
11. Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected or intended occurs. Provide an example of situational irony from the story or predict an ironic outcome of Alan’s decision to buy the potion.