The Hitchhiker

Which techniques does Fletcher use to “trick” the audience throughout the story? Was the ending a surprise for you? Why or why not? How does Fletcher’s “twist” compare with the twist of the piece you chose for the Personal Connection Prompt?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt invites students to compare their response from the Personal Connection Prompt to Fletcher’s story. In order to “trick” her audiences with a twist, Fletcher sets up an ordinary characterization and plot: a man driving across the country in his car. In developing the themes of The Corruption of the Mundane and How Perception Shapes Reality, Fletcher is able to make audiences question the reliability of the narrator, particularly as more and more evidence points to his untrustworthy perceptions.  After students have an opportunity to respond individually, they might work in small groups to find and discuss the moments that build maximum suspense and lead most directly to the twist.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Write Your Own Radio Thriller”

In this activity, students will identify aspects of the thriller genre in “The Hitchhiker” and then write their own thriller and perform it for the class.