Assignment 10, Question 4, Lachlan McGrath

4) Name two important events of rising action that Knowles uses to build up to the climax of the fall. If you choose the trial, choose a specific incident to discuss and how it leads to the fall.

There were two main events that lead to Finny's fall down the marble staircase. Firstly there was the return of Leper to the school. This had made Gene very uncomfortable as he exclaimed "you saw Leper?" (Knowles 163). This inkling of surprise was because Leper had the ability to share the guess that Gene had jounced the limb. When this finally comes out Gene tried to stop Finny but he let him go. Secondly there was the trial. The specific part of the trial was when they had just gotten Leper. Gene seemed to be feeling very nervous because he knew the "Truth Will Out" (Knowles 88). This sudden change in the atmosphere described in page 173 represents to the responder that everyone is wondering what will happen but does not express their emotions about the subject. This creates an awkward atmosphere that Gene wishes he was not in. Once Leper actually enters the room he tries to act very confident although obviously off his rocker. This led to Genes comment on page 174 that " Any fool could see his false confidence". Both of these events had significant contributions to Finny's fall. This contribution was that of both supense and a rising awkwardness in Finy Gene had never seen before.