“Sonata for Harp and Bicycle”

By Joan Aiken

Setting:

Present Day and 50 years ago; over 2 days; Halloween

London, EnglandGrimes Building - haunted

Characterization:

Jason Ashgrove – copy writer; is cursed by the ghost of W. Heron (hair turns white) Curious Devises a plan to reunite ghosts Jumps off escape ending curse Falls in love with Miss Golden

Bernice Golden – Jason’s secretary Gives Jason clues about mystery Helps Jason because she loves him

William Heron – ghost haunts building for 50 yrs. AKA the wailing watchman on bike Kills himself after feeling rejected by Daisy

Daisy Bell – music teacher Ghost who haunts building William’s love “pines away” = broken heart

Conflicts:

Type - Man vs. AF (Jason vs. curse/ghost) Develop - Jason is told he will die within five

days. He must figure out a way to beat the curse.

Resolution – Jason reunites William and Daisy; beating the curse

Themes:

“Love makes one accomplish great things”“Love survives time and death”“Love conquers all”

Literary Elements

Point of view – 3rd personForeshadowing –

“the bell tinkled its tiny warning” “No one is allowed to stay in the building after

5pm” Fire escape, harp, bike

Situational Irony – The ghosts haunt the building for 50 years, but they never meet