Contents of The Dead Man’s Pocket
Study Guide

1. Why does Tom decide not to go to the movies with Clare?


2. What happens to the yellow sheet of paper? What does Tom plan to do about it? Why?


3. At what moment does Tom’s adventure change from risky to terrifying?


4. What is the revelation Tom has when looking into his living room?


5. What happens to the yellow sheet of paper at the end of the story?


Interpret

6. What do you learn about Tom from his decision not to go with Clare?


7. What does the yellow piece of paper represent to Tom? How might his feelings about the paper have influenced his decision to retrieve it?


8. Before his revelation, Tom thinks, “Contents of the dead man’s pocket, … a wasted life.” Why might he feel this way?


9. Why do you think Tom reacts as he does when he sees the yellow sheet of paper at the end of the story?


Evaluate and Connect

10. What is the significance of the title of the story?


11. What is the author saying about priorities in life? Do you agree?


Vocabulary – Taut – deftness- unimpeded –improvised – convulted

Jack Finney site
http://members.aol.com/leahj/finney.htm