Challenge 925

Escape Hatch

In David Rogers’ Seeing Buffalo
1. What conclusions do you think are possible in view of the characters that have been introduced both on- and off-stage?
2. Why might one conclude from Tom James’ and Patty’s experience with the truck that neither of them has ever driven a vehicle with a manual or even an automatic gearshift?
In Charles C. Cole’s The Good Qualities of the Deceased, what, exactly, are Willard Peabody’s good qualities? How are they shown without being explicitly named?
In Keith LaFountaine’s Scraping Knives, at what point do you think Jonah would be amply justified in excusing himself politely on the pretext of feeling unwell and take his leave of Megan’s family before they eat him?
In Lisa Marie Hagerman’s Invasion of the Alien Parasite From Interdimensional Space, what are the comic elements in the story? Upon what social norms is the comedy based?
In John Rossi’s The Adventures of Dead Dan: The Old Religion, what does Dan appear to discover about himself that one might expect him to know after nine months of being dead?
In Rich Magahiz’ A Fine Harvest: The poem makes at least six allusions to historical or literary events. Identify each allusion. Then go back and add at least one more possible reference for each allusion. Can you formulate a decryption key that will enable a reader to understand the poem?