“The Chaser” – John Collier
1. What things make the story sound realistic? What things in it seem unrealistic?
Answer: There are several things in the story that make it seem like real life. For instance, it
is realistic to believe that Alan is in love with a woman who does not love him and that he
wants a love potion to get her love. Also, the old man is very shrewd and wants Alan to
come back in the future to buy something much more expensive. The things that seem
unrealistic are that Alan would still want to buy the love potion even though he knows Diana
will smother him with her love. In addition, it is unrealistic to believe that a love potion even
exists.
2.
Looking at the beginning of the story, what impression do we get of Alan Austen?
Answer: Alan appears to be a rather weak person. He was “nervous as a kitten” when he
went to the old man’s shop. Further, he did not directly ask the old man if he had a love
potion. Instead, he was indirect and asked if the old man sold something that had unique
effects. I think a strong person would not have been so nervous and would have been more
direct.
3.
Looking back at the story, what clues were planted that might have led you to expect the
ending?
Answer: This question is not complete because it assumes the end of the story is that Alan
will go back to the store to buy the poison. If we accept that as the ending, then there are
many clues about that. For example, the old man describes the effects of the love potion as
being too extreme. Second, the old man does not seem to care about the love potion. He
says that it is not as important as the poison. Third, the old man says that he wants to give
his customers to come back when they have more money. Finally, the old man says “Au
revoir,” which is French for “See you later.”
4.
List the effects the potion will have on Alan’s beloved. How does Alan react to the old
man’s promises?
Answer: The love potion will make Diana only focus on Alan. She will not want to go out
because she will be jealous of the woman Alan will meet. Diana will be nervous if Alan is
late, and she will be overly protective. Alan is excited when he hears this. He thinks this is
what he wants.
5. What does the title of the story mean to you?
Answer: The title means that the first drink is the love potion, and it will be followed by the
poison.
6. “The Chaser” by John Collier is a story about the interaction between Alan Austen and an
old man. Alan is a young man who is in love with Diana, but Diana does not love him.
Alan goes to a shop and meets an old man who sells love potions because he wants to
give Diana the love potion. The old man tells him that he sells a “glove-cleaner,” which
is a nice term for poison. Although the old man explains to Alan that the love potion
will be too strong and that Diana’s love will be overpowering, Alan does not care. He
thinks Diana’s love will make him happy. Alan buys the love potion for a dollar, but he
is unaware that the old man thinks he will come back later to buy the poison because he
will not be happy.