Tension In Sleator And Abuela Invents The Zero

Tension is found in every aspect of a person’s life, hiding behind doorways, blending into shadows. It follows a person through their life, waiting to strike when they are most vulnerable. The short stories, The Elevator, by William Sleator demonstrates how Martin just wants to be accepted by his father, who thinks he is irrational for having such fears which he deems trivial, resulting in tension. This is similar to Abuela Invents the Zero, by Judith Ortiz Cofer, as Connie does not want to be judged for being seen with her abuela, and her grandmother wants Connie to treat her with respect. The tension and conflict between the characters and their relatives is shown in The Elevator, by William Sleator and Abuela Invents the Zero, by Judith Ortiz Cofer.

Martin believes that his father thinks he is weak and wimpy. He is discouraged as a result of his father belittling and insulting him. “‘But why didn’t you take the elevator?’ he asked, frowning at Martin when he explained the stairs. Not only are you skinny and weak, his expression seemed to say, but you’re also a coward” (Sleator 1). Martin’s father looks at his son and sees a weak coward afraid of trivial things. His father thinks that Martin’s fear of elevators is completely irrational. “‘Afraid to be on the elevator alone?’ his father said, with a look of total scorn. ‘Grow up, Martin.’ The door slammed shut,” (Sleator 4). Martin wants a person there to support him and accept him for who he is. Without his mother, he is forced to “grow up” but his father doesn’t help this growth in any way, except by insulting Martin. He has no one to support him and help him. Martin’s father, however, wants his son to “grow up,” be strong, and surmount his fears, though he goes about it by criticizing Martin for being