ENG1DB Short Story Analysis Unit: A Focus on Narration and
Suspense
“Just Lather, That’s All” by Hernando Tellez
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Read the following suspenseful short story entitled, “Just Lather, That’s All” by Hernando
Tellez, and answer the accompanying analysis questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
1. What important information is delayed until later on in the story?
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2. How does this use of delay contribute to the overall suspense in the story?
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3. Identify and explain two examples of foreshadowing that appear in the story.
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4. How does this use of foreshadowing contribute to the overall suspense in the story?
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5. Why is timing an important suspense technique used in this story? Explain.
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6. Is there a clear hero and a clear villain in this story? How does this affect the overall suspense
in the story?
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7. How does the story’s use of a first-person narrative point of view add to its suspense?
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8. What is the purpose of the narrator repeating that he is a “good barber” who is proud of his
work?
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9. What is the effect of the word “blood” being repeated throughout the story? Explain.
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10. This story does not develop the way that readers expect. Explain the story’s twist ending.
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11. Characters with powerful motivations are developed in the story. What is the barber’s
motivation for wanting to murder Captain Torres?
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12. What is the barber’s motivation for NOT murdering Captain Torres? Explain.
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13. Why do you think that Captain Torres went to the barber even though he knew that the
barber could have killed him? Explain in detail.
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14. In your opinion, what is the most effective short story element used in “Just Lather, That’s
All” (i.e. plot development, characterization, setting, theme)? Write ONE persuasive paragraph
(12 sentences in length) that contains a topic sentence that introduces what you are writing
about, a clear, one-sided thesis statement that asserts your position on the prompt question
provided above, TWO supporting points (arguments)/proofs (quotations)/analyses (explaining the
significance of each point and proof to your thesis statement), and a concluding sentence that
ensures that you end on a thoughtful and relevant note.
Correct Persuasive Paragraph Structure:
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Sentence #1: Write a relevant topic sentence that grabs the attention of your reader and
leads into your paragraph (topic ‘hook’).
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Sentence #2: Write a position sentence on the topic (respond to the prompt question) –
This is your thesis statement!
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Sentence #3: Include a point to support your position (this is an argument rooted in the
short story).
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Sentence #4: Include a direct quotation from the story as proof of your point. Cite it
properly using MLA format.
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Sentence #5-6: Analyze the relevance of your point and proof to your thesis. Be
thoughtful and detailed.
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Sentence #7: Include a second point to support your position.
Sentence #8: Include a direct quotation from the story as proof of your second point.
Cite it properly using MLA format.
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Sentence #9-10: Analyze the relevance of your point and proof to your thesis. Be
thoughtful and detailed.
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Sentence #11-12: Write two concluding sentences. In sentence 11, restate your thesis in
different words than you initially used. Conclude in a relevant and meaningful way in
sentence 12.
Your Persuasive Paragraph (12 sentences):
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