Besides belonging to the literary genre of drama, Desperate Hours is a category that might be called suspense drama. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Compare and contrast a drama with that of Desperate Hours. What elements are similar? Different? Which do you prefer?

2. What do you think is the difference between suspense and terror? Give examples of drama or films that you would label suspense and examples that you would label terror. Give specific details to demonstrate elements of suspense and terror. Which do you enjoy the most? Why?

3. Alfred Hitchcock is often called the Master of Suspense. Watch one of his films and compare and contrast it to Desperate Hours. Which do you enjoy the most?

Essay Topic 2

Dan and Glen are two of the most influential characters in Lord of the Flies and have a major impact on the rest of the characters in the story.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Dan and Glen. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) What do you think would have happened if these two characters, Dan and Glen, never existed in the story, i.e., if Eleanor was a single mom and she and her children are held hostage by Hank and Robish? Use events from the book where the direct influence of Dan and Glen had an impact on others.

Part 3) Who is the better leader, Dan or Glenn? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

Essay Topic 3

When Cindy first arrives home after the three convicts have taken control of the home, she realizes the situation and almost runs, but Griffin stops her with the threat that he will kill Eleanor if Cindy tries to leave. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Would you run or stay if you were Cindy? Consider that it is possible the convicts would kill you along with your mother no matter what they say. Explain your rationale.

2. If you were Eleanor, would you want your daughter to run, even if it means your death? Explain.

3. Later in the story, the young boy of the household, Ralphie, does try to leave, though he is caught by Robish. Why do you think Ralphie tries to run; whereas, Cindy decides to enter the house and voluntarily become a hostage?

(see the answer keys)

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