By: Patricia C. McKissack Review Questions “The 11:59” By: Patricia C. McKissack Review Questions

1. What kinds of stories did Lester tell to amuse the new employees? The kinds of stories that Lester would tell to amuse the new employees would be the stories about the old days. “…Lester tell true stories about the old days, during the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters…” (McKissack 16)

2. What happened to the porter nicknamed “Tip”? The first thing that happens to Tip is how he got his nickname. “’When Sampson’s Big Money lady got off, she reached into her purse and placed a dime in his outstretched hand.” (McKissack 19). The other incident that happens to Tip is how he is doing. “’Tip boarded the 11:59 over in Kansas City about a month ago.’” (McKissack 19)

3. Give an example of foreshadowing The example of foreshadowing in this story is when he first hears the whistle of the 11;59 and, “…he felt a sharp pain in his chest.” (McKissack 19)

4. Identify the conflict. What is unusual about the type of conflict that Lester experiences? The type of conflict in this story is character vs. fate. It is unusual about the type of conflict that Lester experiences because it says that, “Ain’t no way to escape the final ride on the 11:59.” (McKissack 20)

5. Identify which stage of the plot it is when Lester strikes a match to check the time. The stage of the plot when Lester strikes a match to check the time is rising action. “Nervously he lit a match to check the time. 11:59!” (McKissack 19)

6. What did Lester do to avoid being a passenger on the 11:59? The things that Lester does to avoid being a passenger on the 11:59 would be that he would not eat or drink things and turning off/plugging things to not use them. “’I wont’ eat or drink anything all day’…Lester shut of the space heater to avoid an explosion, nailed shut all doors and windows to keep out intruders, and unplugged every electrical appliance…he moved a straight-backed chair into a far corner.” (McKissack 20)

7. What causes Lester’s death? What causes Lester’s death is a heart attack when, “Although there was no gas explosion, a tiny explosion erupted in his heart.” (McKissack 21)

8. What does Lester’s watch symbolize? Lester’s watch symbolizes that time is running out; death; dedication to his profession “He could hear Time ticking away in his head…he had to see his watch.” (McKissack 21) “Time had always been on his side. Now it was his enemy.” (McKissack 20)

9. What is the conflict in this story? Explain. The conflict in the story is character vs. fate. In the story, when it says, “Ain’t no way to escape the final ride on the 11:59.” (McKissack 20)

10. What is the point of view in this story? Explain. The point of view in this story is 3rd person limited. We only get the thoughts and feelings from one character – Lester Simmons. “Lester reviewed his thirty years he’d spent riding the rails.” (McKissack 20) “Fear quickened his step.” (McKissack 19) “He had an idea…”(McKissack 20)