The 11 59 By Patricia Mckissack

In the short story “The 11:59” by: Patricia C. McKissack the author develops the theme of death and mortality and that you shouldn’t let them run your life by showing how Lester wastes his last day. The symbolism of 11:59 being the last train to leave the station and also that when your time has come the 11:59’s whistle blows for you. When the whistle blew for Lester he knew he only had one day but instead of using it to the fullest. He wanted to be almost greedy and he wanted to live longer so he wasted his final day trying to cheat death and sitting in his chair out of fear. At the beginning of the story the idea of this “death train” is installed on the reader it shows how the theme of death and the fear of it begin to develop. When Lester begins to walk home his 11:59 whistle blows stating that he has one day left to live. Lester begins to fear what comes next he feels as though it is not his time. “Fear quickened his step. Reaching his small apartment, he hurried up the steps. His heart pounded in his ear, and his left arm tingled.” page 4 paragraph 4. This evidence not only develops the theme but also develops the plot and conflict of the story. By showing that Lester is very fearful of death. The theme of being scared of dying is brought

He boards up his windows shuts off the water and turns off all the lights he also locks the door. Once again showing his fear and further develops the theme. Lester sat silently in his chair all day, too afraid to move. At noon, someone knocked on his door. He couldn't answer it. Footsteps.... another knock. He didn't answer.” page 4 paragraph 9. This evidence develops the theme and the setting of the story. Shows what it's like in his apartment and it also furthers the development of the theme by showing Lester's fear of death and how scared he