The Painted Door

1. How does the setting of the story influence it? What role does the setting of the
story play? How does Sinclair Ross use setting in this story? (2 marks)

2. “Looking down at him as he slept, half smiling still, his lips relaxed in the
conscienceless complacency of his achievement, she understood that thus he
was revealed in his entirety—all there ever was or ever could be. John was the
man. With him lay all the future. For tonight, slowly and contritely through the
days and years to come, she would try to make amends.” Who said this, what
does the quote mean and what emotion does it convey? (2 marks)

3. What does the paint on John’s hand prove? (1 mark)

4. Is John a good husband? Find evidence that argues your side. (find a quote and
explain it) (2 marks)

5. Do you believe John’s death was accidental, or was it suicide? Support your
answer with conjecture or quotes. (2 marks)

6. Put yourself in John’s position at the end of the story – you’ve just risked your life
to get home to your wife or husband, but you find them sleeping next to your best
friend. How would you feel (defeated, angry, sad, betrayed, confused, etc.)?
What would you do? Write a 5-7 sentence paragraph from John’s point of view
when he gets home to see Ann asleep with Steven. (4 marks)

7. At the beginning of the story, Ann feels sorry for herself but refuses to
communicate her feelings to John. Do you believe Ann is a victim, a woman who
is ignored by her husband and trapped in a small farm house? Or does Ann
exaggerate this victimization to justify her actions? Find evidence to support your
answer. (4 marks)

8. Anne does two things that may be odd, what is her reasoning for: 1: Wanting
John to shave? 2. Painting the door when she knew it would be too cold to cure?
(2 marks)

9. Put yourself in Ann’s position after she realizes that John saw her with Steven.
Do you feel guilty or relieved that you don’t have to face your mistakes? Write a
 5-7 sentence paragraph from Ann’s point of view explaining what you will do now
that your husband is dead. For example, you may try to make amends, you may
continue to see Steven, you may live the rest of your life in regret; the options are
limitless. (4 marks)

10. “For there had always been Steven. She understood that now.” Explain this
quotation. (2 marks)

11. “You said yourself we could expect a storm. It isn’t right to leave me here alone.
Surely I’m as important as your father.” What does this quote mean and how
does it start Ann’s descent into temporary insanity? Is that insanity or stir-
craziness justification for what Ann did? (3 marks)