Dip in the pool Flashcards
- Describe the man you imagine when you first read the name Botibol.
S.O.A. – Describe both personality and physical features.
Example: Someone exotic. An old, rich man who is well-travelled.
- Describe the personality of the man, which is made clearer as the story
progresses.
He is anxious, desperate to win and afraid of his wife.
- Why does Mr Botibol keep whispering to the purser?
He wants tips and answers, but he doesn’t want the other passengers to
hear.
- Comment on the wisdom (or lack thereof) of Mr Botibol’s purchase at the auction.
It seems like a good idea at the time, because of the storm. The ship would not
be able to cover many miles during a storm. To me it seems a bit hasty to spend
all your savings on a low number based only on the fact that there is a storm.
- What evidence can you find to show:
a) Mr Botibol wants to please his wife.
b) Mr Botibol is afraid of his wife.
He imagines how pleased she will be when he shows up with a lightgreen convertible.
“Already he could see the anger and contempt in the woman’s eyes.”
(page 108)
- Explain what Mr Botibol decides to do to ensure that he wins.
Mr Botibol decides to jump overboard.
- Why was it a mistake to choose the woman on the deck as a witness to his
‘fall’?
She seems aloof and lazy. Mr Botibol also doesn’t know that she is probably
a bit senile.
- Quote the words spoken by Mr Botibol that seal his fate.
“Got to go get my exercise now.” (page 110)
- With regard to structure:
a) Where is the story’s climax?
b) What is the story’s tension/ problem?
c) Is there a resolution in the story? Explain.
a.Right at the end when Mr Botibol jumps into the ocean and we
see his head for the last time.
b.Mr Botibol losing all his money.
c.No. We never find out what happens to Mr Botibol. We can only
assume that he dies.
