The Darkness Out There

What are the main literary devices used in “The Darkness Out There”?

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A story set in relatively modern times Explores preconceived ideas about old people Challenges stereotypes Examines the Second World War from another perspective – often the German side’s story/struggle is ignored Explores the theme of growing up Sinister story

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A teenage girl called Sandra sets off to help look after an old lady. The old lady she is going to see is called Mrs Rutter. She is helping this old lady out because she works for a care in the community scheme called “The Good Neighbours’ Club” Whilst helping Mrs Rutter out, Kerry (another male helper) asks her about the German plane that was bombed down in the war nearby. Mrs Rutter reveals the ugly truth about the incident. Both Kerry and Sandra leave Mrs Rutter’s house feeling saddened. They both realise how dark and cruel the world can be after hearing a seemingly sweet old woman describe how she left an airman for dead in the war.

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Sinister Dark Graphic Tragic Horrifying Alarming Human Worrying Uncomfortable

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A moment in one’s life when things become clear. Sandra’s epiphany/moment of realisation occurs at the end of this story when she suddenly realises that life is not as beautiful and as golden as it may seem; it is dark and destructive. “ She walked...through a world grown unreliable, in which flowers sparkle and birds sing but everything is not as it appears to be, oh no.”

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Themes Growing Up/Age/War/Death/Stereotypes/The brutality of life Plot Structure Mrs Rutter Sandra Kerry Setting