"Cathedral" and "The Landlady" Review by

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 15:51:33 UTC

The relationship between begins as a very one sided feudalistic relationship. For a large majority of the story the narrator is trying to create conflict with the blind man. As the story developed the men become more bonded and more understanding of one another

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 15:51:56 UTC

The author has the two men draw together not only to bond with each other, but also to see each other’s perspectives. Especially in the end where the narrator keeps his eyes closed even when he finishes the drawing to understand Robert’s point of view.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 15:52:10 UTC

Carver makes it known that the narrator dislikes the blind man (at first) then shows the blind man being indifferent towards the narrator, maybe even wanting to be his friend. But by the end of the piece Carver shifts the relationship and shows the two men bonding.

Abbygale Sanchez

2023-10-27 15:52:31 UTC

Carver characterizes the relationship between Robert and the husband through the conversations they have over dinner and while smoking marijuana. Carver contrasts the rude character of the narrator with the kinder and more understanding character of Robert to emphasize the conflict, and eventually resolving of said conflict through the drawing of the cathedral.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 15:52:43 UTC

The story begins with the men being pitted against each other, primarily from the narrator’s side, and ends with them growing much closer

Beheshta

2023-10-27 15:53:03 UTC

The narrator and the blind man have a tense relationship at first, shown through the narrator’s dismissive dialogue and the blind man’s responses. Closer to the end, though, their relationship starts to change into a friendlier one, which is demonstrates through their smoking session together.

Taylor Crayne

2023-10-27 15:53:10 UTC

Carver puts on man under the assumption of the other but resolves this assumption by having them come together and bond in the end of the story.

Leo

2023-10-27 15:53:14 UTC

Carver characterized the relationship between them as feudalistic from the start but at the end they exemplify a sense of mutual respect and understanding.

Denise Chen

2023-10-27 15:53:32 UTC

Carver characterizes the relationship between the men as initially slightly awkward but later understanding. Robert is always very obliging and nice to the narrator, however the narrator has to work past his prejudice and misconceptions to better understand Robert’s point of view. Although initially a bit rude to Robert, the narrator finally bonds with him over the cathedral drawing.

2023-10-27 15:53:41 UTC

For most of “Cathedral”, the narrator is purposely trying to create conflict with the blind man, but overall ends with the characters growing closer together.

Rhea

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 15:53:49 UTC

Carver describes the awkwardness between the men through their stilted interactions, in which Robert directs the conversation which the narrator has difficulty continuing. Eventually, as they delve into deeper discussion, the diction becomes less precise, and the tension lowers.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 15:53:55 UTC

Carver characterizes them very contrastingly in similar ways, with the theme of blindness tying the two together, the narrator has a pessimistic attitude toward Robert and the whole situation, while Robert finds topics to touch and conversation with. The only thing that blinded the two together was za, which Robert didn’t smoke, yet still tried to get along with the narrator.

Camille W

2023-10-27 15:54:14 UTC

The relationship with the two men is characterized as distant, but Robert is more respectful while the husband is more aggressive.This relationship does change to mutual understanding with the husband and Robert

2023-10-27 15:54:23 UTC

Carver characterizes the relationship between the men as an unlikely bond as we can see in the beginning of the story that the narrator isn’t in favor of Robert, but in the end they ultimately create a bond in which they were able to view each others perspectives.

Danielle Lara

Evan E

2023-10-27 15:54:24 UTC

Initially, Carver characterizes the relationship between the two men as very distant and awkward. This is shown through the husband being very on the outside when his wife and Robert speak. However, the stiff relationship becomes more relaxed as the evening goes on, and the main character is able to understand the challenges that the blind man faces instead of having his own negative opinion of what it should be like.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 15:54:28 UTC

Carver originally characterizes their relationship as hostile. Robert doesn’t seem to have a problem with the narrator but the narrator is clearly shown to disdain Robert. However, this dynamic shifts later in the story when they draw the cathedral. The narrator seems to better understand Robert, and the two men bonded with each other during the experience.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 15:54:31 UTC

The story is told from Roberts perspective as he demonstrates an intolerance and overall dislike towards blind people, however as Carver continues the dialogue between these two characters he creates an ironic change of character as Robert realizes he was “blind” to the blind man’s true character.

2023-10-27 15:54:35 UTC

He characterizes them in one sided type of relationship. The husband is bothered by Robert and his blindness, and Robert himself isn’t bothered by the husband in any way. Towards the end, the husband starts to understand Robert as they both talk about cathedrals, and isn’t as bothered as he was before. This relationship soon turns into a more friendly relationship.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 15:55:03 UTC

Carver shows that from the very beginning of the story, the narrator does not like even the idea of the blind man coming into his house. As the story progresses, the narrator continues to act passive aggressively towards the blind man, and is unwilling to learn more about him or engage in conversation. After his wife leaves, they begin to talk more, socializing over drinks and the narrator eventually bonds with the blind man.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 15:55:04 UTC

Carver characterize the relationship between the men by creating it around a setting of angry and awkwardness. As the narrator has a difficult time bonding with the blind man, that the battle within his words and how to talk to the blind man serves as a characterization to this short story.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 15:55:12 UTC

Carver makes it known that the narrator dislikes the blind man. Then shows that the blind man beings indifferent towards the narrator, maybe even wanting to be his friend. Moreover, by the end of the piece Carver shifts the relationship and shows the two men bonding.

Harith

2023-10-27 15:55:16 UTC

Initially, the relationship between the two men is contentious, as was characterized through the narrator’s remarks and actions towards the blind man. However, throughout the story, the narrator eventually becomes more hospitable towards the blind man, as displayed in the end when they bond over their blind drawing experience.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 15:55:28 UTC

Carver characterizes the relationship between the men by setting the scene of a one-sided rivalry between the 2 of them. This rivalry allows the characters to be more relatable and hold more weight to their bonded-relationship in the end.

The narrator finally understands the perspective of Robert, and how the narrator’s feeble attempts to describe the cathedral were wholly ineffective

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 15:56:34 UTC

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 15:56:48 UTC

The narrator finds himself to be figuratively transported somewhere else after he has finished drawing the cathedral with his eyes closed with Robert.

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 15:57:17 UTC

The narrator says this line because he now understands what it’s like to be in Robert’s shoes. He can now connect with him when he couldn’t in the beginning of the story.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 15:57:32 UTC

I believe this line means that the narrator is taking in the perspective of what it feels to be blind. Of knowing you’re somewhere but not knowing what it looks like, so in your minds eye it can only be “nothing” or a plain blank environment.

Taylor crayne

2023-10-27 15:57:35 UTC

The narrator understands the perspective of the Robert. This line symbolizes a new open mind the narrator has.

Abbygale Sánchez

2023-10-27 15:57:45 UTC

The significance of this line is that it emphasizes the character development that the narrator has gone through. By keeping his eyes closed and drawing this Cathedral, this though from the narrator implies that he has finally been able to understand what the kind man is going through, and is able to empathize with him. He doesn’t feel as though he is in his house anymore because it seems like he has moved in from tangible feelings to the more emotional and metaphorical ones.

Esmeralda T

2023-10-27 15:58:10 UTC

In the beginning we are aware that Robert is jealous of the relationship that the blind man and his wife share. Robert is uncomfortable with the blind man and does not know how to interact with. Until, Robert is able to view himself in the blind man shoes he realizes more of the blind man perspective and soon starts to respect him.

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 15:58:14 UTC

The narrator has a moment of enlightenment, where now he understands the point of view that the Blind man has lived his entire life. Being a place that he knows has a name and exists as a place, but not feeling like they are actually there

Beheshta

2023-10-27 15:58:18 UTC

The narrator started to change after he had this vulnerable experience with Robert. He’s in his house during this moment, but after drawing the cathedral, he starts to realize that his perception of Robert was off, and he feels out of place in his own home.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 15:58:25 UTC

In this line, the narrator who has turned from a hateful, jealous husband to a now open-minded man is experiencing what it’s like to live in the world Robert lives in. This disconnect and different prospective gives both, the audience went the characters, to the deeper meaning behind how our eyes aren’t only different, but how everyone sees a different path and light in life.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 15:58:26 UTC

The way I interpret this line is that it demonstrates a complete change of character and philosophy in Robert. What I mean by this is that throughout the story he was seen as this horrible man who saw the only two reasons to be in a romantic relationship as finance and appearance, however at the end of the story he begins to see the world for what it actually is. He begins to see a deeper understanding of the world around him as he experiences what it’s like to no longer rely on these flawed values and thought processes. When he’s saying he doesn’t feel like he was in anything, I read this as him coming to terms with his reality that he has no emotional connection with his life, but instead it’s based on flawed values.

2023-10-27 15:58:27 UTC

This quote merely emphasizes the way in which the narrator was finally able to view life from Roberts perspective after all the times that he talked down on him.

Danielle Lara

Evan E

2023-10-27 15:58:32 UTC

The purpose of this line is to reveal what the main character feels when he is closing his eyes/pretending to be blind. Logically, he knows that he is still inside of his house, however without his sight, he is struggling to ground himself. This leads the way to him realizing what being blind actually consists of. He is no longer just judging the situation, but he has put himself in the position he previously harbored a dislike for.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 15:58:34 UTC

The narrator draws the cathedral with his eyes closed and with Robert's hand clasped over his. The experience of blindness and human touch yields for the narrator a transcendent feeling of freedom, perhaps from his own limited existence.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 15:58:35 UTC

The narrator experienced a small part of being blind and this experience brought him to new perspective. In this moment the narrator enters a world where he is blind which is why he doesn’t feel like he’s in anything, and he leaves with new found empathy.

Harith

2023-10-27 15:58:36 UTC

In this line, the narrator essentially experiences what Robert experiences on the daily, causing him to gain a newfound empathy for Robert.

Leo

2023-10-27 15:58:49 UTC

The line is meant to reflect the narrator’s newfound empathy and understanding towards Robert and serves as the resolution in that the narrator has grown from prior assumptions and misconceptions.

Denise C

2023-10-27 15:58:54 UTC

I think this quote demonstrates a shift in the narrator’s perception. Throughout the story, the narrator was very closed off and isolated from others in terms of empathy. In a sense, he had closed himself off from the world. However, after he closed his eyes and moved past his prejudices to better understand Robert, he became more aware of his surroundings. By opening himself to better understand the world, he no longer felt as trapped or confined anymore.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 15:59:38 UTC

This line illustrates how the narrator’s worldview has been changed. He had a bonding experience with the blind man, and can now empathize with him, showing that he is now open to new perspectives. It may also be a slight callback to them smoking earlier.

Camille W

2023-10-27 15:59:40 UTC

I think this line means that the husband is understanding what Robert feels because of how the husband looks down in him and Robert had no reaction

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 15:59:48 UTC

In this quote it depicts a turning point for the characters realization as he grew empathy to Robert. As the aspect to feel like his wan’t in anything connects to the moment Robert and the narrator shared, in drawing the cathedral together. That in a matter awakened the narrator to the simple beauty’s in life through this drawing with Robert.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:00:00 UTC

the narrator sees the world through Robert’s eyes kind of literally. Even though in his own home (comfort zone) with his eyes closed he feels like he’s anywhere, which could explain the mindset Robert has and maybe why he’s so comfortable or open.

Esmeralda L.

2023-10-27 16:00:10 UTC

It goes onto show the husbands development as a character, as he sits there now understanding Robert and his perspective.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:00:50 UTC

Throughout The Cathedral the narrator very much treats his own wife as lesser and in a way servant-like, and also has little regard for Robert’s late wife

2023-10-27 16:00:58 UTC

This line symbolizes the narrator’s newfound empathy that he feels for Robert, as he has gained an understanding of him and his life.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:01:03 UTC

The gender dynamics are very fitting of the time period. The narrators wife is never referred to by name which is indicative of the lack of autonomy women experienced in the 20th century.

Esmeralda T

2023-10-27 16:01:11 UTC

Robert understands he is in his own home but his blindness is unable to feel that once comfort. He then understands the Blind man and finds empathy being unable to never be comfortable and constantly not feeling where you are because of your blindness.

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 16:01:42 UTC

I think that both the wife and the blind man are such good friends because they share some experience of being seen as less than. The common gender dynamic displays the man being more than the women, and Robert as a blind man, is seen as less than the typical man because of his disability. So the fundamental ideas of gender roles help give clarity to the conflict

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:01:58 UTC

The gender dynamics are mostly old fashioned in this story. The wife does all the cooking and hosts her guest. The husband treats the wife like a servant, and just drinks and smokes. This dynamic implies that the story takes place in the “housewife” era.

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:02:06 UTC

The gender dynamics is that women are looking down upon and seen as a object than a person instead of the men who can do whatever they want which is fitting to the time period of this short story.

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:02:10 UTC

The author emphasizes the gender differences between men and women. The narrator’s wife almost felt like an accessory to the story, especially since she was portrayed as the kind and gentle wife. The narrator and Robert, however, experienced a challenge based ok masculinity, mostly stemming from the narrator.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:02:17 UTC

The narrator doesn’t treat his wife like a real person for the most part. We never learn his wife’s name, and she is the only woman in the story. The narrator is also jealous of his wife’s friendship with the blind man, and is, at first, paranoid that there may be something more going on there. This all creates very interesting gender dynamics that reflect society at that time.

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:02:23 UTC

The husband is often dismissive of his wife, but ultimately he is allowing her friend to stay over at the house. I think the greater dynamic is the one between the two men, for it highlights misunderstanding over a disability.

Taylor crayne

2023-10-27 16:02:25 UTC

The wife of the narrator is seen as an object to him. She was forced to move with him for his job and to take care of the narrator like a housewife during that time period

Abbygale Sánchez

2023-10-27 16:02:29 UTC

Mainly, the wife is seen by the narrator as essentially irrelevant, and even when walking about the wife’s struggles through life, he seems rather unsympathetic, highlighting his emphasis of gender roles through the way he treat as her and talks to her. We see this in how he moved her robe so he can see her body, or the way he ignores her desires. Contrastingly, we see how Robert treats her with care and kindness and de-emphasizes the typical gender roles of the time period.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 16:02:56 UTC

Throughout the story Robert looks down on his wife and expressing his shallow ideals about women. Robert talks about how dumb the blind man and his deceased wife’s relationship was because he was unable to see her and she would have been able to wear anything she wanted whether it looked good or not, demonstrating how Robert sees women as inferior as men and promotes this idea that they have to look and present themselves a certain way for the male gaze.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:03:02 UTC

In the aspect of the wife presenting herself to be more attentive to the needs of Robert, and catering her house to him differs to her husband’s bold approach when meeting Robert. As this correlates with the time period of women, as it presents their role in being gentle and nourishing; whereas the males are more vocal and bolder.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:03:29 UTC

Through the narrators actions we can tell that the wife is treated well but as more of an object. By letting his wife’s leg be exposed under her robe, we can tell he doesn’t think much about her own comfort.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:03:46 UTC

Gender dynamics are immediately set in stone when the author creates a rivalry between the two men. Men tend to see another man as a threat and something to be upset by, while the woman, the wife of the narrator, sees Robert as an old friend and great person. With this being said, women are fueled by nurture, care, and love, but men are fueled by jealousy, hatred, and hunger.

Harith

2023-10-27 16:03:47 UTC

As was the norm of the time and prior, the narrator’s wife is taking care of both him and the blind man (as was expected) and throughout the story the narrator never once expresses any form of appreciation towards her aid

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:03:48 UTC

Far from being a “dear husband,” the narrator is insensitive and arguably has no idea who his wife really is. The fact that he can recognize her on sight doesn't necessarily mean that he knows her intimately. Moreover, the narrator's wife is standoffish and sometimes even prickly. It seems that the narrator's inability to understand his wife's values and emotions leads to strain in their relationship, whereas the narrator's wife feels understood by Robert, who is a good friend and a careful listener.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:03:57 UTC

The narrator bring a man and having a large ego may think he’s better than Robert, another man but he has a disability. His wife and Robert could get along better maybe because they have that in common

Esmeralda T

2023-10-27 16:03:57 UTC

Throughout the short story we can infer the lack of respect and de-humanization of his wife (like we see with the blind man) since she is never referred to with her name just Roberts wife. The wife is put in a single box with no identity but a wife, Robert also shows little to no interest with her love for poetry unless it is about him.

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:04:11 UTC

The gender dynamics in this piece are not very defined as Robert and the narrator’s wife are very understanding towards others, while the narrator is not. However, in terms of the time period, the narrator’s point of view perhaps displayed the gender relationship that women were expected to do housework and were not as important. The narrator conveys this by never referring to her by her name and not acknowledging that she is the one that would take the most care of Robert.

2023-10-27 16:04:16 UTC

Throughout the story, there is clear conflict between the narrator and his wife due to the fact that he views her as inferior to him since she is a woman. The narrator further goes to show his thoughts on women when he talks bad about Roberts wife, and emphasizes how he can’t understand how someone could love another without ever knowing what they look like.

Danielle Lara

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:04:24 UTC

There is a stigma between men and women being friends and nothing more, and I think that is especially shown through the Narrator’s jealousy of his wife’s relationship with Robert. From this, the narrator looks down on his wife in a way, not being able to understand her values and morals.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:04:38 UTC

The narrator and Robert are the two important male characters and the narrator’s wife is the one important female character. Their interaction does show a gender dynamic. Robert seems to break stereotypes by having a strong friendship with the narrator’s wife. The narrator, however, shows himself to be egotistical and jealous of his wife’s friendship with Robert. The narrator uses the wife as a piece for his pride, disappointed when she doesn’t talk about how great he is, but Robert never shows that.

Taylor Crayne

2023-10-27 16:04:51 UTC

He starts to be likable by showing some character growth but he still needs to work on himself more to become favored.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:05:13 UTC

The narrator probably has a long way to go before he can really change his beliefs, but he is most likely more willing to see another persons perspective, making him a bit more likable.

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:05:20 UTC

The narrator is still unlikeable, however, he is starting to see the error in his ways by seeing Robert’s perspective. He started to docsomething that a lot of people can’t do: change for the better.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:05:23 UTC

I think he’s still unlikeable, but he is a bit less unlikeable. He showed character growth when talking to and drawing with the blind man, but he does still seem to be a jerk, especially towards his wife. Hopefully this experience helped him get over his prejudice.

Abbygale Sanchez

2023-10-27 16:05:23 UTC

By the end of the story the narrator is at a point of neutrality. Although throughout the story, the audience sees him as self absorbed and rude, his character development and empathy leads him to a place of neutrality where he is neither liked or disliked, as he is doing the bare minimum to be a decent person.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:05:31 UTC

By the end of the story the narrator is still very unlikable, although he has become better in his treatment of Robert and hopefully learns from his experience to be less prejudiced in the future

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 16:05:32 UTC

I would generally say so. Being unlivable because of your previous actions, doesn’t also imply you’re likable when you change your actions. You can still be seen unlikeable to people because those past actions might still have an effect on them

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:05:49 UTC

Yes, he is still unlikable. Although he experienced some character development, it doesn’t take away from his rude and dismissive actions from before. His new perception is the bare minimum of human decency.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:05:50 UTC

I think he’s still unlikeable because of all the negative comments he made not only about Robert but his wife and his prospective on their relationship. In the end he understood what Robert felt while he closed his eyes, but even with eyes he couldn’t describe what he was seeing.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:05:52 UTC

He’s probably still a bad guy in some ways, like being sexist and racist. However, he is clearly a better person by the end. Not quite likable but if he continues down this path he could redeem himself.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 16:05:57 UTC

I believe he is still unlikeable due to just how strong his ideals were at the beginning and although lessened he never directly opposes those ideals he once had, as well as he still never treats/respects the blind man as much as a regular person and we can see this in the way he never says his name further dehumanizing him. I do believe he began reddening himself, however he is still unlikeable.

Harith

2023-10-27 16:05:59 UTC

In regards to the blind man, his newly gained empathy could be considered a saving grace, albeit it very minimal. However, his treatment of his wife is still deplorable, overall making him such as well.

Esmeralda L.

2023-10-27 16:06:10 UTC

I feel as he didn’t redeem himself enough at the end. While, he did have a moment of enlightenment with Robert, it doesn’t overshadow the fact that he was very ableist towards him in the beginning, whether it would be because of jealousy or not, that overall wasn’t okay for him to do.

2023-10-27 16:06:12 UTC

To me his actions are not justified because he has found empathy for someone who is not like himself. He has no respect for his wife interest, only if it revolves around him. He disliked the blind man because of the attention his wife gave him, and because of his blindness not because of his character.

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:06:18 UTC

the narrator dismisses his wife’s passions and interests, and distrusts her enough that he feels insecure of her platonic relationship with Robert, another man. The wife is viewed as a bland character, and Robert and the narrator dominate the story. The story reflects the more misogynistic gender roles of this time period

2023-10-27 16:06:21 UTC

The narrator suddenly becomes likable in the end as he is no longer blinded by the assumptions he previously made, and was now able to consider life from someone else’s shoes.

Danielle Lara

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:06:24 UTC

I think the husband is still unlivable because his understanding of being blind doesn’t top over the things he said like how he talked about the Robert’s dead wife in condescending way or how he treats his wife as an object.

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:06:25 UTC

While the husband was able to have empathy and more of an understanding of Robert by the end, it doesn’t erase the way he treated Robert and his ableist actions from earlier in the story, along with him treating his wife poorly throughout the story.

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:06:40 UTC

While I do not hold the same opinions as what the husband mentioned towards the beginning, I feel that he has likable qualities. He was not necessarily rude directly to Robert, despite clearly having a prejudice against the man for being blind, and by the end of the book he had a valuable conversation with him. Furthermore, he put himself in Robert’s position which may indicate that he has the potential to grow and is open to learning.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:07:04 UTC

Yes because one redeeming action doesn’t redeem a persons whole character. His beliefs and prejudices seem to be deep rooted and would need to be dealt with further than just drawing with his eyes closed.

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:07:05 UTC

By the end of the story, the narrator is still a bit unlikable, but to a lesser degree. The narrator has moved past his stereotypical misconceptions to understand Robert, however it is not stated whether he continues this style of thinking later or if he reverts back to his previous way of thinking and does not attempt to feel empathy towards others.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:07:12 UTC

Yes, I still believe the husband is unlikeable. The narrator did nothing to prove himself as a person worthy of popularity before the ending of the story. He did become open-minded and willing to create a bond with Robert, but that should’ve been the bare minimum welcoming a friend of your wife into your house after a long journey.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:07:20 UTC

In ending this short story with the husband having a realization with Robert, and gaining appreciations to the life Robert has; reconstructs the narrator to be not fully likeable. As the narrator stills needs better conversational skills, however in the end it displayed the opportunity for the audience to see more growth. As the actions of the husband weren’t acceptable, however his growth within himself depicts his capabilities and even new perspectives the audience will grow to like.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:08:02 UTC

By the end of the short story I think the narrator does becomes more like able because he shows some development since he has met Robert. He eventually kind of understands the Robert but he still struggles a bit.

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:08:08 UTC

though the narrator starts to redeem himself, he is still disliked by the audience because he put no personal effort into changing his prejudiced perspective, he only did so when Robert made an effort to change the narrator’s perspective

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:09:11 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy Weaver as being mostly open-minded and naive due to his youth, innocently trusting the landlady even as he begins to make alarming discoveries

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:09:55 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as very naive and too trusting of others. For example, Billy wants to do everything briskly in life just because he thinks that all successful business do things briskly. Billy also does not catch on to anything the landlady is saying and even looks at her with admiration after learning she taxidermies her pets. Dahl shows that Billy never stops to consider whether his supposed superiors are right or not.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:10:06 UTC

Dahl characterized Billy as an earnest young man. Billy is describes as eager to impress his higher-ups at work and instead of immediately assuming the landlady is crazy he assumes she must have lost a son in the war and is trying to compensate for that. Billy represents an innocent person falling victim to bad luck.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:10:11 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as someone innocent and easily trusting, making him naive and indicating he is most likely pretty young.

2023-10-27 16:10:25 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy’s character as being naive as he constantly disregards all the red flags of the Bed and Breakfast because he is solely looking for a cheap place to stay the night.

Danielle Lara

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:10:31 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as an innocent and almost naive young man. He is shown to be easily-influenced when Dahl shows his eagerness to act like those who are older than him. Billy wants to be brisk, saying “Briskness, he had decided, was the one common characteristic of all successful businessmen.”

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 16:11:10 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as a Naive young boy. He acts very nonchalant about the entire situation and doesn’t raise any concerns. Lines like “I’m a lucky fellow, thought… This is a bit of all right” establish how he’s naive and has no precautions of his surroundings

Abbygale Sánchez

2023-10-27 16:11:11 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as a generally innocent and naive person, not only through his age but through his inner thoughts and actions. Through lines like “He turned away from the dog and stayed with deep admiration at the little woman beside him on the sofa,” (Dahl 469-471), we see that even through all the hints that the land lady may have bad intentions, he still looks to her as a admirable and sweet person.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:11:36 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as a young, naive man fresh out of school. He does this when describing what he’s wearing (“new” everything), when showing how Billy looks up to and tries to be like the “big shots up at Head office,” and in his interactions with people like the landlady, where he doesn’t notice anything suspicious for longer than he should have.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:12:03 UTC

Billy is characterized as innocent and naive to his situation. Despite seeing many hints to what’s really going on he ultimately is oblivious to the situation. “Haven’t there been any other guests in the last two or three years” (Dahl). This quote comes after Billy has received many warnings and he asks about something very suspicious yet doesn’t seem to be aware of the implications of everything he’s seen.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:12:19 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes the protagonist through embedding aspects of his inner emotions and thoughts into the short horror piece. As when Billy first saw the Bed and Breakfast he convinces himself that it was a friendly and safe place to stay; “Animals were usually a good sign in a place like this, Billy told himself” page 1. In this quote it depicts the character of Billy and his innocence, and aspect of lack of knowledge and maturity. As the author portrays him as a wise seventeen year old young adult, however the features of Billy influencing himself that lead him to his possible death, portrays the unknowledgeable character he is.

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:12:22 UTC

The characterization of Billy is of innocence, naïveté, and politeness because Billy is so polite to not leave the bed and breakfast when he feel’s something off also makes him naive “landlady appeared to be slightly off her rocker didn’t worry Billy in the least”

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:12:30 UTC

Dahl’s indirectly characterizes Billy by presenting him as a polite and practical English man. Ironically, it is these otherwise innocent and admirable personality traits that land him in the clutches of a murderous landlady.

Quote:

““I’m so glad you appeared,” she said, looking earnestly into his face. “I was beginning to get worried.”

“That’s all right,” Billy answered brightly. “You mustn’t worry about me.” He put his suitcase on the chair and started to open it.”(Dahl)

This exchange occurs after the landlady has shown Billy to his room in her bed and breakfast. It reveals Billy to be a positive but somewhat clueless person. The landlady is clearly not referring to Billy’s safety when she says she was starting to get worried, but Billy completely misses this hint.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:12:44 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as a innocent 17 year old boy dressed dapperly, trying to imitate what a successful business man would dress like. “He was trying to do everything briskly these days. (Dahl 32-33)

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:12:44 UTC

Roald Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as a naive but mature young man. Despite him not seeing the red flags for the Landlady being terrifying, he is very polite to her for his age. “‘That’s all right’, Billy answered brightly. ‘You musn’t worry about me,’” (Dahl 220).

Harith

2023-10-27 16:12:49 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as innocent and still with naïveté, told by his age (“Billy was seventeen years old”) and his aspirations (“The big shots up at Head Office…”)

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:12:54 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as a naive and innocent boy, for he chooses to stay with the landlady even as he notices concerning things about the situation. “Billy set down his cup slowly(…) and stared at his landlady,” (Dahl).

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:13:04 UTC

Dahl characterizes Billy as a polite but practical Englishman who is curious and naive. He describes Billy as sweet and admirable, giving examples like, “He turned away from the dog and stayed with deep admiration at the little woman behind him on the sofa,” (Dahl 469-471).

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:13:46 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as naive and oblivious by foreshadowing possibly bad outcomes playing in the mind of Billy, but him continuing to brush off the obvious danger. One line of this being on page 3, under line 240, “Now, the fact that his landlady appeared to be slightly off her rocker didn’t worry Billy in the least.” A character with maturity and confidence would have seen her behavior as something to be deeply inclined to.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:14:42 UTC

A thematic statement that can be made regarding The Landlady is that trust can be dangerous when misplaced, which is shown with Billy’s implied murder

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:14:52 UTC

The thematic statement of the Landlady is to never take appearances for what they seem to be. When Billy stays at the bed and breakfast, he assumes this lady is very sweet and innocent, when really she is a terrifying monster.

Abbygale Sánchez

2023-10-27 16:15:05 UTC

Blind trust in the unknown can lead to dire consequences.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:15:36 UTC

A thematic statement for the “Landlady” is: Someone sinister can hide behind a friendly smile. In the “Landlady” Billy is lured in by the landlady’s friendly demeanor but we soon see that she is a killer who lures in and then taxidermies the people who stay at her house.

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:15:42 UTC

The main thematic statement in “The Landlady“ is that you cannot trust everyone, and you cannot assume what something is or will be just by its appearance.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:15:47 UTC

The Landlady has the theme that looks can be deceiving. The woman is described as kind and friendly but turns out to be a murderer. The BnB is described as homely and inviting but in fact has an almost supernatural/evil allure to it that leads to innocent deaths.

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 16:15:47 UTC

A thematic statement would be, To trust but be cautious. The idea of being a trusting person has nothing wrong with it, but the lack of caution can leas to horrible outcomes, just as it likely did for Billy

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:15:51 UTC

In “The Landlady” by Ronald Dahl, innocence is shown to be easily susceptible to perverse cruelty.

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:15:53 UTC

A thematic statement relevant to “The Landlady” is that danger is hidden in unexpected places. The Bed and Breakfast appears from the outside to be a cheery and comfortable place, but in reality the image it projects is just a facade to hide the landlady’s sinister hobby of taxiderming her guests.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:15:53 UTC

A thematic statement that can be relevant to “The Landlady” is that being naive can make one unaware of dangerous situations.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:16:12 UTC

“Things are not always what they seem” is a thematic statement that is relevant to the story.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:16:21 UTC

the thematic statement relevant to the landlady is to not trust a book by its cover lol

2023-10-27 16:16:22 UTC

A thematic statement that can be relevant to “The Landlady” is to not be deceived by what it seems to be.

Danielle Lara

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:16:45 UTC

The thematic statement would be to don’t judge a place by only on appearance, instead get advice of the residents and use the advice they give to help guide you.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:16:49 UTC

A thematic statement relevant to “The Landlady” would be to trust what your body and mind are in fear or worry of; trust your extincts.

Harith

2023-10-27 16:16:49 UTC

To sum it up in a few words, sometimes things can be too good to be true, as that was very much what brought Billy to the Bed & Breakfast, which in turn led to his unfortunate yet partly expected demise

Esmeralda L.

2023-10-27 16:16:50 UTC

Dahl characterizes billy as being naive and innocent. As soon as he meets the landlady, he has a desire to follow her into the house, no questions asked. “After all, she was not only harmless-there was no question about that-but she was also quite obviously a kind and generous soul.” Through this quote, we can strongly see Billy’s innocence, as he perceives the landlady to be a gentle woman, even though he doesn’t know her at all.

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:17:03 UTC

The theme statement that appearances may be deceiving fits “The Landlady”. Even though Billy says that she seems nice and the B/B looks to be his best option, the opposite is true. The landlady is actually very dangerous, and she has managed to lure Billy into a dangerous place.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 16:17:10 UTC

The thematic statement is that first appearances aren’t everything and that you shouldn’t take information for its base value, but instead see its deeper meaning, and this can be seen in the way that Billy’s trust and naïveté was taken advantage of resulting in his most likely death.

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:17:11 UTC

Billy is shown to be innocent and naïve. His youthfulness is apparent through his lack of experience in life, as well as the informal diction of his inner dialogue: “He had never stayed in any boarding- houses and, to be perfectly honest, he was a tiny bit frightened of them” (Dahl).

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:17:43 UTC

The thematic statement that is relevant to “The Landlady,” is don’t judge a book by its cover. This is reveal through the aspects of Billy’s actions were highly influenced by the appearance of the Bed and Breakfast, and he allowed the appeared “friendly environment” of a warm fire, and pets impact his idea to enter. As this short story depicts the idea that you should never based one’s opinion on the appearance or outskirts of a situation, as it’s vital to obtain knowledge before and not be deceived by a presentation of one thing.

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:19:19 UTC

“The Landlady” emphasizes the importance of

keeping your guard up, as emphasized by Billy’s unfortunate fate. His naïveté and willingness to trust strangers was his ultimate death sentence.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:19:20 UTC

A good thematic statement for the Landlady would be “things aren’t always what they seem”

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:19:38 UTC

The author uses a bed and breakfast, usually an innocent looking place to stay in, and twists it into a horrific nightmare. Especially when Billy finds out all of the animals were stuffed.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:19:43 UTC

The function of the story being set within a Bed & Breakfast is to provide an inviting and comforting atmosphere for the protagonist which will is sharply contrasted by the sinister details revealed later in the story

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:19:48 UTC

I think the function of this setting is to mislead the readers along with Billy. It is highly unlikely that the reader would suspect a murderous plot to take place after being placed in a B/B. This also ties in with the theme that appearances can be deceiving.

Edgar chacon

2023-10-27 16:19:51 UTC

I think it creates an almost ironic nature to the text. By utilizing the idea of a Bed and breakfast, the idea being a cozy environment, you wouldn’t expect that the story is leading itself in a path of a horror story.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 16:19:53 UTC

Bed and breakfasts are usually associated with this homely kindhearted warm feelings, so by juxtaposing this with a horror story involving the idea of a deranged old woman who has been taxidermist people it creates this massive contrast for the reader further enhancing the story

Taylor crayne

2023-10-27 16:19:56 UTC

I think it could symbolize that it’s supposed to be a place of comfort but ultimately the bed ends up being your grave.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:20:00 UTC

The setting is supposed to symbolize a comfortable place where you can relax and feel safe. The name “Bed and Breakfast” shows hospitality, but we know it’s creepy and quite the opposite

Abbygale Sánchez

2023-10-27 16:20:09 UTC

The function of the setting is to provide a place that seems warm, nice, and cozy, to contrast the true nature of the actual story. At the beginning of the story both the main chacanee and the audience is led to believe that this bed and breakfast is a warm and inviting place, which is emphasized by the imagery and diction. However, this contrasts with the true nature of the horror story, emphasizing the fact that appearances can be deceiving.

2023-10-27 16:20:17 UTC

I think Dahl chose a Bed and Breakfast for the story because of the comfort that they usually seem to bring, but of course in this case, it serves to show that not everything is what it seems to be.

Danielle Lara

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:20:20 UTC

With a common and usually homey setting like a bed and breakfast, it gives the reader and Billy a false sense of security in a place that is usually seen as safe. But it can also give the reader a sense of solitude, as a bed and breakfast can be in the middle of nowhere, possibly making billy feel like he has nowhere to go or run, if he had caught on to what was happening quicker.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:20:41 UTC

The author’s function to set the play around a Bed and Breakfast is to create a misleading story for the audience. As it’s never to be assume that a Bed and Breakfast would be a place where there are creepy old landlady’s there. It creates a story for the audience to gain knowledge and mystery with Billy, and get to read about the aspect of unknown that Billy encounter.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:21:01 UTC

The bed and breakfast serves to create a comfortable atmosphere that slowly grows into becoming a terrifying one. The bed and breakfast at first seems cozy, then suspicious when no one is there, when we learn that the animals are taxidermies the atmosphere shits and becomes far darker. This helps the reader feel the tension not just through the story but also the environment it’s set in.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:21:14 UTC

The BnB serves the function of hidden meaning. The name “Bed and Breakfast” signifies simplicity in traveling as its as simple as going to bed and waking up and eating breakfast. This particular BnB of course is the opposite and results in the death of its guests.

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:21:19 UTC

The innocuous setting of the Bed and Breakfast seems safe and functions as a way to keep lower both the readers’ and

Billy’ guard, so that the twisted secrets lying within are even more shocking

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:21:28 UTC

The function of the setting is to contrast and hide Billy’s eventual unfortunate end. A Bed and Breakfast is typically thought of as homely, comfortable, and most of all, fairly safe. So although the reader does catch on that something is wrong, the setting does not initially alert the reader. This serves to make the discoveries later on more shocking and disturbing.

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:21:40 UTC

The cozy and warm setting serves as a function of irony, but also to build suspense. Billy is enticed into entering due to the comfortable feeling he had when he first glanced in. Thus, the setting acts as a luring factor that drives the plot forward. However, it is also ironic because of the sinister events occurring within. The taxidermic let’s and the hint of death contrast greatly with the warmth of the setting, which evokes uncomfortable feelings from the audience.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:21:41 UTC

Dahl chooses the setting to be in a Bed and Breakfast because B&B’ are backed with an idea of cozy, warm, and a welcoming environment, but this scene is the complete opposite. The story adds suspense to the B&B, while the B&B provides an off putting, creepy feeling that seems to be the most contributing factor to the plot of “The Landlady.”

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:21:46 UTC

The function of the setting is to give off a creepy atmosphere of a place that usually contains a warm and inviting atmosphere which is how Dahl was able to twist the story into horror

Harith

2023-10-27 16:21:53 UTC

The setting serves as the backdrop and basis of the story’s theme while also providing a contrast to the actual plot line, as it is the most unexpected place for a tragic event to unfold.

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:22:06 UTC

Setting the story in a bed and breakfast is a good idea for a few reasons. It takes a place where many would feel safe and comfortable and makes it dangerous. It also allows for the landlady character, who would usually seem charming and sweet, to become the “creepy old lady” archetype. The setting could also be a metaphor.

Esmeralda T

2023-10-27 16:22:08 UTC

Dahl indirectly characterizes Billy as a polite young boy. For example “ the compulsion or more accurately, the desire to follow her “ the woman insisted he come in, he was unable to decline because of him being naive and his trustworthiness implying the innocence he carries.

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:22:18 UTC

The setting being a bed and breakfast kind of gives Billy the impression that he will be in a safe place. However, we don’t directly know where this bed and breakfast is, which makes for a bit of an eerie setting, and allows the story to evolve into a horror story.

Lola Alford

2023-10-27 16:22:55 UTC

I would’ve seen that there was only two people on the check-in sheet and gotten the heck out of there. Safety in numbers.

Gabriel Flores

2023-10-27 16:22:59 UTC

If I were Billy I most likely would have attempted to escape once I realized where I had heard the names of the former guests before

Jocelyn H

jhannan2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:23:01 UTC

As soon as the Landlady said “only you” I would’ve ran for the hills. Her entire vibe and the things she said creeped me out, and she had so many red flags that Billy just ignored.

Abbygale Sanchez

2023-10-27 16:23:02 UTC

If I were Billy, as soon as she looked me up and down weirdly I would have booked it. And if she tried to stop me I would have fought her. And won.

Esmeralda L.

2023-10-27 16:23:04 UTC

I would have left as soon as the landlady started to act weird. I’m not trying to end up dead.

Leo

2023-10-27 16:23:06 UTC

If I were Billy I woulda probably stayed and died too. The low cost and apparent kindness from the landlady would have been too appealing.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:23:06 UTC

This excerpt introduces the setting of the story—Bath, England on a beautiful but cold night. The contrast of the beauty and the deadly cold suggests that not everything will be as nice as it seems in this town. In addition, I think that the function of the setting is to be misleading because I feel that the setting in the story gives off a sense of comfort which makes the readers think that everything is peaceful and okay.

Taylor Crayne

2023-10-27 16:23:10 UTC

I would have run away as fast as I could as soon as the inn gave me chills.

Harry Grossman

2023-10-27 16:23:31 UTC

I am not seeing the red flags and I’m gonna end up being sliced open and taxidermied

Abigail Kupetz

2023-10-27 16:23:35 UTC

If I was Billy, I probably would’ve gotten out of there ASAP, but I can also see how he felt naive and felt like he would be fine staying. Honestly, it would probably depend on the day and how paranoid I was feeling.

Noe Q.

2023-10-27 16:23:38 UTC

Stayed home and also quit my job.

Madelyn Schell

2023-10-27 16:23:39 UTC

If I was Billy I would had left the Bed and Breakfast right after she told me I was the only one staying there. As I would be suspicious on the reason why she doesn’t have customers, and would rather freeze in the cold then stay at a Bed and Breakfast with a creepy landlady.

Ania Shannon

2023-10-27 16:23:40 UTC

If I was Billy, I never would’ve taken a train arriving somewhere with no written directions , while it is pitch black outside searching for a place to stay.

jayden richards

2023-10-27 16:23:40 UTC

as soon as I saw there were only two other people that have stayed there for the past three years, and that the land lady is saying they’re still here? Personally I would’ve put two and two together. I would not be drinkin that bill Cosby tea and beat the lady, and leave

Edgar Chacon

2023-10-27 16:23:47 UTC

I would not just blindly stay at a bed and breakfast without actually inquiring about the place. Even if I did, I’d probably get out of that Jawn when she started talking about stuffing her pets 😭

rsethi2024_3 — 2023-10-27 16:23:56 UTC

As soon as I realized the saw the guest book I would run away as fast as possible. No thanks 🙏

Beheshta

2023-10-27 16:24:01 UTC

Similarly to Billy, I would have been enticed by the comfort of the inn as well and would have maybe checked out the prices. However, after seeing that there was no one there, red flags would start ringing in my head and I would leave.

Evan E

2023-10-27 16:24:03 UTC

I would not have even considered staying at a “Bed and Breakfast”

2023-10-27 16:24:08 UTC

If I were Billy, I would have left as soon as I saw that there had only been two guests before me.

Danielle Lara

Harith

2023-10-27 16:24:20 UTC

If I were him, I would have checked price first then inquired about how much business they receive. If there is little business, then I would have doubts and most likely leave

Benito S.

2023-10-27 16:24:33 UTC

If I were Billy, I probably would have gone to the Bell and Dragon from the start, since this particular bed and breakfast would creep me out. Also, the Bell and Dragon had food, drinks, lots of other people and probably music, which seems fun. It would be much nicer (I assume) to relax in a pub with some drinks and food after a long travel in the cold. They probably had killer fries.

Camille W

2023-10-27 16:24:41 UTC

I would of taken the advice from the residents to go to the Bell and Dragon, but if I was in the Bed and Breakfast I would’ve immediately left the minute the landlady said something creepy about seventeen year olds.

Jaden T

2023-10-27 16:24:58 UTC

After seeing the clues of the other people being in the newspaper for disappearances and hearing how she talks about never leaving I would’ve ran away. I definitely would’ve fled after seeing the taxidermies on top of all this. Taxidermies alone are fine but with all the other suspicious. Afterwards I would report her to the police. Although I probably would’ve never entered as I am paranoid about things like this and would’ve just went to the hotel.

Denise C

2023-10-27 16:25:35 UTC

If I were Billy, I would have followed my original plan and gone straight to sleep. Then I would not have been forced to drink the poisoned tea. Of course, I may not have realized anything was wrong the next morning, but as I would likely look at the guestbook the next morning, I would go to work quickly without eating/drinking anything from the landlady. Then I would just not return and sacrifice the rest of my luggage. I would probably also report her to the police.

E T

2023-10-27 16:38:17 UTC

The appearance of the b/b, lured Billy into a trap because of his trusting personality. Billy had seen the outside of it but not the inside which is the fault of him being naive, that for him killed.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-29 22:42:03 UTC

Carver characterizes the relationship between the husband and Robert as rather awkward and one sided with the husband already having a distain for the man because he was blind, and there were moments of silence through the night. There was also and underlying jealously from the husband to Robert.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-29 22:49:23 UTC

This line conveys the out of body experience the husband has and his new found empathy he feels for Robert.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-29 22:59:10 UTC

The narrator often dismisses his wife. Never acknowledging her interests or even using her name. There was as a negative implication with the taboo of a platonic relationship between a man and women.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-29 23:03:55 UTC

Yes, I feel the narrator is still unlikable because we never see the result of the change that occurred at the end of the story. We as readers know that the narrator went through a change but we don't know how that truly affected him. I also think it was very heavily established that the narrator was not a good dude, and it would take a lot to change my mind.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-29 23:08:42 UTC

If I was in Billy's position I would have run for the hills. The red flag for me would be the lack of guests in the past 2 years!!!

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-30 00:36:51 UTC

Billy is characterized as naïve, and trusting by the author. This is emphasized with he relationship with the bed and breakfast owner. "Now, the fact that his landlady appeared to be slightly off her rocker didn't worry Billy in the least."

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-30 00:40:56 UTC

The setting of a little bed and breakfast with a little old lady baking cookies creates a false sense of security and safety. Thus tricking Billy and the reader.

Kayla Ranney

2023-10-30 00:43:58 UTC

I think the purpose of "The Landlady" is to present the narrative that nothing should be taken at face value. Just because it is a cute and cozy bed and breakfast, should not imply its safety. It also serves as a warning that not everything is as it is first presented.