Page 132 - Real English 2024 Book 8

DIGITAL RESOURCES

Dusk 13

This is a short story with an interesting plot twist. Since short stories are compact and much shorter than novels,
they may often include interesting elements in the plot to make for an entertaining read. A plot twist is one

such feature. The reader is surprised by an unexpected discovery relating to the plot or a character at the end of
the story. This makes readers look at the plot that they have read so far in a fresh and different light. In some
cases, an observant reader might have already found clues that suggest a surprise ending. Shirley Jackson, Guy de
Mauppasant, O. Henry and Saki are some writers who excel in this style of writing.

Norman Gortsby sat on a bench in a corner
of the Hyde Park, with his back to a fenced
area of grass, planted with bushes. It was
dusk – about thirty minutes past six on an

early March evening. The atmosphere was a
mixture of failing daylight, pale moonlight
and light from the street lamps a little
distance away.
On the bench, by his side sat an elderly
gentleman; he had the expression of a

defeated person who refused to admit his
defeat. His clothes were neither expensive
nor new. As he got up to go, Gortsby
imagined him to be a man in whom no one
was particularly interested either at home or outside. As his figure

disappeared slowly into the shadow, his place on the bench was taken
almost immediately by a young man, fairly well-dressed but not more
cheerful than the man who had sat there before. As if to emphasize
the fact that he was deeply troubled and unhappy, the newcomer
uttered a curse or two as he threw himself into the seat.
‘You don’t seem in a very good temper,’ said Gortsby, judging

open and direct behaviour that he was expected to show sympathy.
1.
1
careful and prepared for The young man turned to him with a look of great frankness,
2.
something difficult which put Gortsby instantly on his guard. 2

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