the locked door narrative essay

The Locked Door

49 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 7

Chapters 8-18

Chapters 19-27

Chapters 28-37

Chapter 38-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Locked Door (2021) is a psychological thriller written by American novelist and physician Freida McFadden. The novel is narrated by surgeon Nora Davis (born Nora Nierling), whose father Aaron Nierling was a notorious serial killer when she was 11. Now an adult, Nora is horrified when a patient is killed following her father’s pattern, and must work to uncover the truth. Major themes in the novel include the lasting effects of trauma, the debate about the relationship between nature and nurture, and the difficulties of separating personal and professional identities.

Content Warning : The novel contains graphic depictions of violence, allusions to animal cruelty, and mentions of death by suicide.

This guide is based on the 2021 Hollywood Upstairs Press e-book edition.

Plot Summary

In the Prologue, narrator Nora Nierling describes how her father, Aaron, was arrested for the murder of 30 women. The chapters that follow alternate between the narrative present and events that happened 26 years ago. This plot summary is arranged chronologically for clarity.

Twenty-six years ago, Nora spent her 11th birthday blissfully unaware of her father’s crimes. Nora participates in bullying a classmate, Marjorie, then follows the girl home. At night, she lies awake listening to her parents fight about whether she needs therapy. One day, she finds a person locked in a cage in her father’s basement, whom she realizes is Mandy Johannsson, a local missing woman. Her father offers to teach her to be like him. Later, Nora lures Marjorie to an abandoned trail and chases her with a penknife. She corners her, but she can’t bring herself to hurt her. Nora convinces her friends to stop bullying Marjorie on the day her father is arrested for his crimes.

Twenty-six years later, Nora, now using the last name Davis, is a successful surgeon. When she rejects the advances of a former patient, Henry Callahan, he grows aggressive and follows her in his car. She manages to lose him and arranges to fire him from her practice. At home, she reluctantly feeds a stray cat that has been hanging around.

Nora suspects that another patient, Arnold Kellogg, is abusing his wife. She offers help, but his wife declines. Nora reconnects with Brady Mitchell , a college boyfriend who is now a bartender at her favorite bar, Christopher’s. Driving home one evening, she is followed by a driver who crashes as she tries to evade him. She reports the accident but does not intervene.

The next morning, Nora hears from the assistant at her practice, Harper, that Harper’s boyfriend has dumped her. Nora is visited by Detective Ed Barber , who reveals that Nora’s former patient, Amber Swanson, a dark-haired woman with blue eyes, has been found murdered with her hands cut off, following her father’s pattern.

Nora arranges a one-night stand with Brady at his house. She is spooked by his landlady, an elderly lady in a rocking chair on the front porch. After having sex with Brady and leaving, Nora remembers that she broke up with him because of his obsession with horror movies and true crime. When she arrives home, she finds a letter from her father without a postmark at her back door and immediately destroys it.

The next time Nora encounters Brady’s landlady, she warns her that she hears women screaming in Brady’s apartment. When Shelby Gillis, another patient with dark hair and blue eyes, is found dead with her hands cut off, Nora realizes she is being targeted. She also realizes that Harper has dark hair and blue eyes like her father’s victims and her dead patients.

After another sexual encounter with Brady, Nora discovers a young girl’s bedroom in his home. Brady explains that he shares custody of his five-year-old daughter, Ruby. Hurt that he didn’t tell her earlier, Nora leaves. The next day, she is confronted by Amber Swanson’s mother, who calls her Nora Nierling. Mrs. Swanson insists that Nora is involved in the murders and promises to go to the media.

Brady drives Nora home after her tires are slashed and prevents Detective Barber from searching her house. He leaves after learning the truth about Nora’s father. The stray cat leads Nora into her basement, where she finds blood. Nora cleans the blood, then performs a successful emergency surgery. Afterward, Detective Barber informs Nora and her new attorney, Patricia Holstein, that Nora’s prints were found in Shelby Gillis’s home. That night, Brady returns Nora’s car with new tires, and the pair share a painful goodbye.

After another letter appears at her back door, Nora visits her father in jail in Oregon to demand to know who killed her patients. He responds that she did, and he reveals that Nora killed her childhood pets, suggesting she is capable of murder. On her arrival back in San Francisco, she finds a severed hand in the trunk of her car and dumps it at a fast food restaurant.

Detective Barber visits to apologize for his accusations, but Nora suspects he’s trying to determine where she was all day. She declines to tell him or her colleague Philip where she has been. When she sees Henry Callahan unharmed at the hospital, Nora realizes someone else was following her the night of the crash. She identifies the man as William Bennett Jr. and visits him in the hospital. She recognizes him but cannot place him. Later, Arnold Kellogg’s wife informs Nora that Arnold died peacefully in his sleep.

Harper leaves the office with Philip, to Nora’s dismay. Nora also discovers that an appointment she made to have a home security system installed has been canceled, although she did not cancel it herself. Nora goes to Brady’s house, where she learns from his landlady that he does not have a daughter. This lie leads Nora to suspect that Brady is the murderer, and she leaves. When she realizes Brady couldn’t have canceled the security appointment, she begins to suspect Philip, who had access to her email and patient records.

Nora finds Philip unconscious and tied up in her basement with Harper holding him hostage. Harper reveals that she is Nora’s sister and that she has been setting Nora up with help from their father. She is arrested for the murders of Nora’s patients, and Nora and Brady reignite their relationship.

In the Epilogue, Nora and Brady start a new life together as an engaged couple, living together with Brady’s daughter, Ruby. The narrative switches briefly to Harper’s perspective , and she reveals that Nora assisted Mrs. Kellogg in poisoning her abusive husband. Harper keeps her sister’s secret as ammunition.

Related Titles

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The Coworker

The Housemaid

The Housemaid's Secret

The Perfect Son

The Teacher

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The Locked Door (short story)

The Locked Door

There was a door that I had never gone in. It stood out in the middle of a forest, a strange place for a door. It stood straight up and seemed to have no supports, it seemed magic almost that it could be there. When I first saw it there was a child going in. A little girl I think, not very old. Perhaps about 6 years old. I ran along and when I got there the door was shut. There was no lock on the door; therefore, I took it that it would have to be open. Grabbing the knob I twisted it and pulled. It wouldn’t open, this was impossible!

Except … that child I had seen could be holding the door shut from the inside, I pulled harder. The harder I pulled, the harder it became to pull. Suddenly I realized there was a lock on the door. I must not have noticed it before. That was all, now all I had to do was find the key. Oops, it’s time for dinner.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Running back home, I thought about the door, for some reason I couldn’t get it out of my mind. All evening I thought about it, I was sure that the lock hadn’t been there before! Oh well! Going to bed I thought about it. It was in my dreams too. I was trying to get in, but suddenly there were chains on it. Then I heard a bolt slide in place and I could see it in the crack in the door. There were more chains, and more chains. Every time I tried to get in more padlocks, more chain and bolts would appear.

The next day I ran to the field and looked at the door, phew, just the same as before. I started looking for the key, and then I realized that maybe the door wouldn’t be locked today! Running to the door, I took a good twist and yank. Suddenly I heard a bolt slid into place. Each day I came there would appear another chain or padlock. What was the secret to the door! It was as if it was alive, and wouldn’t let me see their secrets. One day I counted the locks. One keyhole, seven padlocks, two bolts and numerous chains.

Finally, one day when coming home from a friend’s house it struck me. The way I was heading would lead me straight to the back of the door. I had tried looking around the door but it was stone. Walking slowly and carefully I found behind the door a net of problems. From then on each day I would work carefully and slowly and find the source and key of the problems. They were very dainty and were breakable as hair. You had to treat them as carefully as if they were human. After months of working I finally had it down to one little knot. And for some reason I couldn't stand to undo that knot, I had done my job and it was finished. I never came back there, and I think it was all for the better.

Document Details

• Word Count 533
• Page Count 1
• Subject English

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The Locked Door by Freida McFadden Review and Summary

Updated: Apr 9

Freida managed to do it once again. At exactly one-third in, I knew who the killer was. At 66%, I was torn between two suspects. But, I was wrong on both accounts. I had no warning for the twist that came at the end. That's what I love about Freida's books, though. You can never see it coming. From this point on, "The Locked Door" review will contain spoilers. So if you haven't read it yet and you want to, come back later, or scroll to the bottom  to read my thoughts.

The Locked Door Summary and Review

Nora Davis is surgeon who loves her profession. She eats, sleeps, and breathes surgical work. She co-owns a practice with Philip, another surgeon. Her office is staffed with wonderful nurses, and a receptionist named Harper, who is studying biology. Twenty-six years ago, her father was sentenced to 18 lifetimes for the murder of 18 women. He had a preference: blue eyes and dark hair. And he enjoyed severing their hands and keeping them, earning himself the title "The Handyman". He kept his victims in the locked basement inside of Nora's home. After he was arrested, Nora went to live with her grandmother. Her mother also committed suicide in jail, but she doesn't know why.

Nora used to be Nora Nierling, but her grandmother insisted that she change her name, and she was eager to comply. But now, someone is threating the life Nora built for herself. She is being framed for murder, seemingly by a copycat of her father. She frequents a bar in town, called "Christopher's", where she reconnects with Brady Mitchell, her ex-boyfriend from college. He's a bartender there, and after asking several times, Nora agrees to go to his place. While she's there, she remembers why they broke up. Brady used to be a slasher movie fan, which she didn't mind too much. But one Halloween, he offered her a mask of her father, and she broke up with him. He didn't know who she is, and didn't want any connections to her past life.

Brady also has a locked door in his apartment, which makes Nora suspicious of him when she gets targeted. His elderly neighbor also says she hears screaming coming from his apartment. It was at this point that I was certain Brady was the killer. But I was wrong. The locked room belongs to his daughter, Ruby. Nora also had someone follow her home from the bar a couple of times, but the person ends up in a car accident after Nora fakes a turn to lose him. She thinks he was a former patient, who approached her at the bar, and doesn't think too much more about it.

After two women go missing, a detective gets involved and starts coming by the hospital to talk with her. Nora also finds blood in her basement, and has no idea where it's coming from. Instead of calling the police, she panics and cleans it up herself. With a detective hell-bent on arresting her for murder, Nora heads home to Oregon to visit her father in jail. Her father reminds her that they are alike: Nora killed every pet she was given. But Nora knows that's not true. Because after she finds out what her dad does in the basement, she turns down his offer to join him and turns him into the police instead.

When she gets back to the airport, she notices a terrible smell coming from her car. Upon returning home, she inspects her trunk and finds a severed hand. Again, instead of calling the police, she decides to dump it at a Carl's Jr a few miles away from her house. After making a visit to the ICU, Nora discovers it was actually someone names William Bennett Jr. who was following her home. At this point, I began to think her partner, Philip, is the murderer, but again I was wrong.

So, who is the murder in "The Locked Door"? It's HARPER. After finding Harper and Philip in her basement, with Philip's hand severed, Harper admits to everything. She was intentionally framing Nora for the murders. Another plot twist: Harper and Nora are sisters. Their mom was pregnant, which is why she killed herself. But the baby survived, and was adopted out. But Harper found out who her father is and began a relationship with him. She became his protégé. Fortunately, Brady comes to her house and finds them all in the basement and calls the police. Nora was taken to the hospital because Harper poisoned her, but she survived. Nora and Brady are engaged at the end, and she gets a happy ending.

But, there's one more twist. Nora had a patient, Arnold Kellogg. He was abusing his wife, and she was too scared to leave him. So, Nora gave her calcium gluconate to inject into his heart and make it appear that he had a heart attack. Mrs. Kellogg was able to move on and live her life peacefully. And, of course, Nora had no regrets.

Alycia's Thoughts

I really enjoyed it! "The Locked Door" was a bit slow in the beginning and not as fast-paced as some of her other books. It did take me a while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't stop reading it. The suspense of not knowing who was framing Nora was intense, and trying to guess who it was and still being wrong is always fun. The twists in this one are better than those in her most recent books. I give "The Locked Door" four stars. Definitely pick this one up soon! And, don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss anything about Freida's new books.

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Book Review

The locked door by freida mcfadden: a chilling psychological thriller review.

Freida McFadden has once again proven her mastery of the psychological thriller genre with her latest captivating novel, “The Locked Door”. As a devoted fan of the author’s work, I can attest that this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good twist-filled story.

Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden is an American author known for her psychological thriller and suspense novels. Some key facts about her:

Background:

• Freida McFadden is a pen name used by the author. Her real name is not publicly known.
• She is a relatively new author, having published her debut novel in 2020.
• Prior to becoming a full-time author, she had a career as a physician assistant.

Writing Career:

• McFadden’s debut novel was “The Wife Upstairs”, a psychological thriller that was well-received and became a USA Today bestseller.
• She has since published several other thrilling and suspenseful novels, including “The Bad Mother” and “The Perfect Daughter.”
• Her books are known for their twisty plots, unreliable narrators, and exploration of dark psychological themes.
• McFadden has been praised for her ability to create tense, page-turning stories that keep readers guessing.
• Her novels are often compared to the work of other popular psychological thriller authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins.

Popularity and Reception:

• McFadden has quickly gained a dedicated readership since her debut in 2020.
• Her books have been positively reviewed by critics and readers alike, with many praising her storytelling skills.
• She is considered a rising star in the psychological thriller genre and is seen as an author to watch.

Overall, Freida McFadden is an exciting new voice in the world of suspenseful fiction, known for her captivating plots and unsettling character studies. She has quickly established herself as an author to keep an eye on.

Intriguing Plot and Characters

The novel centers around Nora Davis, a successful surgeon whose life is turned upside down when she becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders. Nora’s dark past, which involves her father’s horrific crimes as “The Handyman,” a serial killer who targeted women with blue eyes and dark hair, comes back to haunt her. As she tries to clear her name and uncover the truth, Nora finds herself entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and shocking revelations.

Unpredictable Twists and Turns

One of the standout aspects of  “The Locked Door”  is the way McFadden keeps readers on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing and second-guessing their theories about the identity of the real killer. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author delivers a twist that leaves you stunned and reeling. I was particularly impressed by the way she managed to mislead me not once, but twice, before unveiling the true culprit.

Expertly Crafted Pacing

The novel’s pacing is expertly crafted, with a slow build-up that gradually intensifies the suspense and tension. While the story may feel a bit slow-moving at times, especially in the beginning, the payoff is well worth the wait as the pieces of the puzzle come together in a satisfying and unexpected climax.

Compelling and Evocative Writing

McFadden’s writing is both compelling and evocative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Nora’s world and the haunting atmosphere that permeates the narrative. The author’s ability to craft complex, flawed, and multidimensional characters is another strength of the novel, as we delve into the motivations and psyche of not only Nora but the various other players in this thrilling tale.

Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Gray Areas

One aspect that I particularly appreciated was the exploration of Nora’s own moral dilemmas and the ethical gray areas she navigates. Her decision to take matters into her own hands and protect a patient from an abusive spouse adds an intriguing layer to the story, and it reflects the author’s willingness to delve into the nuances of morality and the difficult choices individuals sometimes face.

Fans and Newcomers Alike

Fans of Freida McFadden’s previous works will undoubtedly find much to enjoy in  “The Locked Door” . The novel showcases the author’s talent for crafting intricate, twist-laden plots that keep readers guessing until the very end. For those new to her writing, this book serves as an excellent introduction to her unique brand of psychological suspense.

Key Themes and Motifs

The haunting past.

Nora’s past is a central theme in the novel, with her father’s crimes casting a long shadow over her life. This theme is explored through flashbacks and Nora’s internal struggles, creating a rich and layered narrative.

Trust and Betrayal

The novel delves into themes of trust and betrayal, as Nora grapples with whom she can trust and who might be deceiving her. This adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

The Nature of Evil

McFadden explores the nature of evil through the character of “The Handyman” and the impact of his actions on those around him. This theme is thoughtfully woven into the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the origins and manifestations of evil.

In conclusion, “The Locked Door” is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Freida McFadden’s ability to create suspense, develop complex characters, and deliver unexpected twists makes this novel a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. what is “the locked door” about.

“The Locked Door” is a psychological thriller by Freida McFadden that follows Nora Davis, a successful surgeon who becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders. The novel explores her dark past, her father’s crimes as a serial killer, and her quest to uncover the truth and clear her name.

2. Who is the main character in “The Locked Door”?

The main character is Nora Davis, a successful surgeon with a dark past involving her father’s horrific crimes as “The Handyman,” a serial killer.

3. What makes “The Locked Door” a compelling read?

The novel’s expertly crafted pacing, unpredictable twists, complex characters, and exploration of moral dilemmas make it a compelling and engaging read.

4. Is “The Locked Door” suitable for fans of psychological thrillers?

Yes, fans of psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy in “The Locked Door,” as it offers a twist-filled, suspenseful narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

5. Where can I find more information about Freida McFadden and her works?

You can find more information about Freida McFadden and her works on  Goodreads  and  Amazon .

Additional Resources

• Freida McFadden’s Goodreads Page
• Freida McFadden ‘s Amazon Author Page
• Psychological Thriller Genre on Goodreads

Related Books

• “The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
• “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
• “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins

Final Thoughts

“The Locked Door” is a testament to Freida McFadden’s skill as a writer and her ability to craft a psychological thriller that is both thought-provoking and utterly gripping. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, this novel is sure to captivate readers and leave them eagerly awaiting the author’s next work.

Ideal Mugs to Pair with  The Locked Door  by Freida McFadden

When it comes to enjoying a gripping thriller like  The Locked Door  by Freida McFadden, the experience can be significantly enhanced by pairing it with the perfect mug. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a coffee aficionado, the right mug can make your reading sessions more enjoyable and immersive. In this article, we’ll explore the ideal mugs to pair with this captivating novel, ensuring that your reading experience is both cozy and memorable.

The Importance of the Right Mug

Choosing the right mug might seem trivial, but it can actually have a significant impact on your overall reading experience. A well-chosen mug can:

• Enhance your comfort
• Keep your beverage at the perfect temperature
• Reflect the mood and theme of the book
• Add a touch of personal style to your reading nook

Mugs That Complement the Theme of  The Locked Door

1. mysterious and intriguing designs.

Given the suspenseful and mysterious nature of  The Locked Door , mugs with dark, enigmatic designs are a perfect match. Look for mugs that feature:

• Dark colors like black, navy, or deep purple
• Intricate patterns or abstract designs
• Elements that evoke a sense of mystery, such as keys, locks, or hidden doors

2. Cozy and Comforting Mugs

As you delve into the twists and turns of the novel, you’ll want a mug that provides a sense of comfort and warmth. Consider mugs that are:

• Made of ceramic or stoneware for a sturdy feel
• Large enough to hold a generous amount of your favorite beverage
• Designed with a comfortable handle for easy gripping

3. Personalized Mugs

Adding a personal touch to your reading experience can make it even more special. Personalized mugs allow you to:

• Customize with your name or initials
• Choose a design that resonates with your personality
• Create a unique and memorable reading ritual

Top Mug Recommendations

1. the enigmatic black mug.

A sleek, black mug with a matte finish is a perfect choice for readers who want to immerse themselves in the mysterious atmosphere of  The Locked Door . This type of mug:

• Keeps your beverage warm for longer periods
• Adds a touch of sophistication to your reading space
• Complements the dark and suspenseful theme of the novel

2. The Cozy Stoneware Mug

For those who prefer a more comforting and homey feel, a stoneware mug is an excellent option. These mugs:

• Are available in various earthy tones and textures
• Provide a rustic and cozy aesthetic
• Are durable and perfect for long reading sessions

3. The Personalized Novelty Mug

If you want to add a personal touch to your reading experience, consider a personalized novelty mug. These mugs:

• Can be customized with your name, favorite quote, or a special design
• Make great gifts for fellow book lovers
• Add a unique and personal element to your reading ritual

Pairing the perfect mug with  The Locked Door  by Freida McFadden can elevate your reading experience to new heights. Whether you prefer a mysterious black mug, a cozy stoneware option, or a personalized novelty mug, the right choice can enhance your comfort and enjoyment as you delve into this thrilling novel. Happy reading!

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The Locked Door

• Author: Freida McFadden

Category: Horror

• Chapters: 46
• Status: Complete

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Synopsis of the locked door.

Some doors are locked for a reason…

While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.

Until the day the police arrived at their front door.

Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.

Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.

Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.

As long as they don’t look in her basement.

Rating & Reviews

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I couldn’t put this book down. Suspense all the way through till the end.

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Quick book reviews blog, “the locked door” by freida mcfadden – roots of a lost innocence.

It tells the story of Nora, a surgeon and daughter of a serial killer now in jail, who sees her life assaulted from the dark as someone begins to recreate her father's work with the exact same signature.

Freida McFadden Sows the Seed of Doubt

Narrative interplay in the locked door, a realm of gruesome laughs.

The Final Verdict

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Book summary and reviews of The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

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The Locked Door

by Freida McFadden

• Genre: Thrillers
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About this book

Book summary.

A twisty psychological thriller from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Housemaid and The Coworker! Some doors are locked for a reason…

While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement. Until the day the police arrived at their front door. Decades later, Nora's father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows about her past, and she'll do anything to keep it that way. Then one of her young female patients is murdered, killed in the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims. Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she's not like her father. The police can't pin anything on her. As long as they don't look in her basement…

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#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida's work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors' best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages. ​ Freida lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe. To hear Freida talk about herself more in the third person, check out her website freidamcfadden.

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The Locked Door Literature Guide

Description

SuperSummary’s Literature Guide for The Locked Door by Freida McFadden provides text-specific content for close reading, engagement, and the development of thought-provoking assignments. Review and plan more easily with plot and character or key figures and events analyses, important quotes, essay topics, and more.

Note: This rich text-study resource for teacher and student support does not contain activities, quizzes, or discussion questions. For ready-to-use classroom materials, please consider one of our Teaching Units , which feature writing and discussion prompts, comprehension and analysis questions, and creative pre-built activities.

Content Warning : The novel contains graphic depictions of violence, allusions to animal cruelty, and mentions of death by suicide.

LITERATURE GUIDE

Delve into the easy-to-navigate 51-page guide with table of contents for chapter-by-chapter summaries and analyses on The Locked Door . Build rich lessons using our comprehensive analyses of the book’s multiple themes, symbols, and motifs such as "The Tensions Between Nature and Nurture" and "The Blurred Lines Between Professional and Personal Identities".

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• Commentary on major characters
• 25 important quotes with accompanying analysis
• 10 thoughtful essay topics for writing or discussion

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Created to provide a thorough review and to support students’ deep understanding of The Locked Door , our literature guide quickly refreshes teachers on important plot points or events throughout the book as well as essential themes, symbols and motifs. The contents of the guide provide a strong framework for helping students understand the underlying meaning of a work of literature.

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Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence Expository Essay

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Introduction

Domestic violence, works cited.

The term “domestic violence” is used to denote the physical or emotional abuse that occurs in the homes. It is the repeated abusive act or behavior of one spouse directed to another who is in an intimate relationship.

Physical abuse includes beating or hitting of the victim. On the other hand, emotional abuse includes threats directed to the victim meant to intimidate him or her, which leaves the victim living in psychological distress (Bolin, 1). Domestic abuse has devastating effects on the members of the family. This includes direct victims and other family members such as children who may be affected indirectly.

Domestic violence is a vice that happens in many societies around the world. In China, the vice is on the increase. This has prompted an online campaign against domestic violence. Most of those supporting the campaign agree that there is no legislative support for the victims of domestic violence. This makes the victims afraid or ashamed of speaking it out. The lack of legislative support is a major challenge to fight against the vice (Bolin, 1).

It has been argued that the vice is widespread in the country. In fact, domestic violence is witnessed in more than thirty percent of families in China (Ribbons, 21). This is partly because China lacks legislation that protects domestic violence victims or even defining what constitutes the vice.

In addition, this can be attributed to the fact that the vice is entrenched in the Chinese tradition. In this case, it was normal for men to beat their wives. This practice was encouraged by mothers-in-law. Therefore, it has contributed to the spread of domestic violence in the country. The use of alcohol and drunkenness is also a probable cause of domestic violence. Though many women have been victims of domestic violence, there is no openness in saying it in the public (Ribbons, 23).

The case of Kim Lee brought to the light the fact that most Chinese Women are persevering in their intimate relationships. Indeed, many women in China are victims of domestic violence. An online discussion prompted by the case of Kim Lee revealed that over forty two percent of women had been victims of this vice (Ribbons, 23).

Nevertheless, it was asserted that many things have led to the revelation about domestic violence in China. This has been attributed to increased women economic independence, changed attitudes of men, high incidences of divorce, and increased awareness of domestic violence.

These aspects have contributed to the revelation of what is happening in marital relationships. The vice is likely to reduce with increased activism. In addition, the drafting of a national law against domestic violence in China will be essential in reducing the vice (Ribbons, 23).

Domestic violence refers to the abuse inflicted on an intimately related partner like those in a marriage relationship. It can either the physical abuse, which involves beating or emotional/psychological that involve threats of violence. This vice is caused by a number of factors.

They include traditional beliefs that women ought to be beaten by their husbands, drunkenness and lack of laws that prohibit the vice or that protects the victims of domestic violence. Increased sensitization of the existence of the vice and a drive to change men’s attitude towards women can significantly reduce cases of domestic violence.

Bolin, He. Campaign to stop domestic violence . 2008. Web. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/07/content_6515868.htm

Ribbons, Elyse. “Behind Closed Doors: China Grapples with Domestic Violence” Ms Magazine, 2.1. (2012): 23. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2018, December 11). Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence. https://ivypanda.com/essays/behind-closed-doors/

"Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence." IvyPanda , 11 Dec. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/behind-closed-doors/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence'. 11 December.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence." December 11, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/behind-closed-doors/.

1. IvyPanda . "Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence." December 11, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/behind-closed-doors/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence." December 11, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/behind-closed-doors/.

A Dribble of Ink

Of fantasy and science fiction, edited by aidan moher.

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“Tips for Writing Locked-Room Mysteries” by Mark Charan Newton

I’ve been a fan of crime fiction probably for as long as I’ve been a fan of fantasy books, even though I’ve not delved into the heritage of the genre as much. So for Drakenfeld – which is every bit as much a crime book as it is a fantasy novel – I wanted to use part of the crime genre’s heritage as a vehicle for the plot. I didn’t want to write hardboiled fiction, nor did I want to write a thriller – even though I enjoy both. Also, I wasn’t writing the type of urban magical crime, so I couldn’t rely on those things to carry the narrative. So I decided to make it not just a whodunnit, but a howdunnit by using one of the crime genre’s great formats: the locked-room mystery. Or rather, in my case, a locked-temple mystery. The set-up is a lot of fun – because it’s not just about an unreliable narrator, it’s about a manipulative author.

A royal was found brutally murdered in a temple. The room possessed only one exit – thick oak doors, which were locked from the inside.

In Drakenfeld , the crime was this: a royal was found brutally murdered in a temple. The room possessed only one exit – thick oak doors, which were locked from the inside. There was no way in or out of this place, apart from that double door. However, at the time of the murder, the temple was surrounded by hundreds of people – and none of them saw anyone go inside. When people did finally break down the door, they found not only the body, but incense still burning. In a setting based on the classical world, it’s the sort of thing that gets superstition flaring. For the reader, the plan was to get their imagination flaring in a different way.

To create this set-up, though, I had to completely change how I approached a novel. Not only was I using a different narrative voice, but the whole process was entirely new – it had to be. And it was really, really difficult – by far the most difficult thing I’ve done in prose. However, I learned plenty of things from this process and from my research into locked-room mysteries, particularly from writers such as John Dickson Carr, the master of the genre.

So I’ve handily transformed my learning into an Internet-friendly list.

1) Backwards planning

Very loosely speaking, for a normal narrative, I knew what the start was going to be, and I knew my various narrative check-in points along the way. I progressed my planning in a forward motion. However, for a locked-room mystery, it was easier for me to start from the end. I already knew how that crime was committed, of course, but a locked-room mystery tends to thrive on explanation, the clues that are revealed along the way. This explanation is how the detective reveals the puzzle to the reader too. So by starting at the end, and working backwards, figuring out the major clues that gave away the crime, I felt I stood a better chance of keeping the reader guessing throughout. I knew how to weight the clues so that the important ones were left to later on, which in turn would speed up the mechanics of the plot. More to the point, though, I had to have everything planned in detail. Because that’s part of the fun with this format – it’s a puzzle, not just a novel.

2) Off-screen scenes

Remember, there are no handy TV flashbacks here. It doesn’t seem to work in literary format. The mechanics of the crime are a puzzle, and this rigorous scene-setting and planning will probably never be seen explicitly in the regular flow of the narrative – only revealed later through character actions or dialogue. You need to have this ‘flashback’ imagined with real clarity. You’re never going to show it, but it’ll be the backbone of the book.

3) Make the crime water-tight

This is self-explanatory, but needs restating. There genuinely has to be no way into a locked-room for it to entertain the reader. Make sure the door is locked, and keep a note of where the key is (inside, outside, discarded). Pile in your witnesses around the room – make sure truly no one has been seen going in our out. Cover the exits. Bar the windows, or make sure the room is really high up so no one can get in. If there is a gap – a small vent – make sure it’s there with reason, or used as a red-herring.

4) Deceptions

This might well be a key part of any crime novel, but it’s especially important for a locked-room mystery that there are deceptions everywhere. There needs to be a bit list of suspects who can be responsible, and for the reader to question. There needs to be endless amounts of concepts for the reader to explore as potential methods for the crime, too. They hung themselves by standing on a block of ice that melted! No, the murderer came in disguised as the dog! That’s part of the fun for readers and permits you plenty of red-herrings to manipulate – because that’s really what the locked-room mystery is about.

5) Use the language of deception

This is not essential, but it seems important to me that right from the start, right before you’re even introducing the crime, you’re already starting to deceive the reader. Plant seeds. Generate prejudices. Encourage the reader make assumptions on certain characters. Make it subliminal to the reader in your descriptions of their house. Or by describing in dialogue what a certain character has done previously, before they even materialize onto the page.

6) Don’t short-change the reader.

Give readers all the information they need to work out the central mystery – they’ll hate the book if you don’t allow them that. Just make sure you’re clever enough to distract them throughout – because they’ll love the book for tricking them. If you can say, with a clear conscience, that all the clues are there for them to use – and you can see them yourself – then you’ve done a decent job in making this a fair game.

7) Don’t make your method utterly ridiculous

Buy Drakenfeld by Mark Charan Newton: Book / eBook

This is important for gleaning true satisfaction from the narrative. Even if you’re writing in a fantastical setting, you’re still working with a logic-puzzle. The fun of this format is to make the crime seem so simple when it’s explained, so that the reader and author are both rewarded. So if your method of crime is too supernatural – or just plain outlandish, outside the fair rules you’ve established – you’ll end up frustrating the reader.

8) Do your research.

As with any type of fiction, be familiar with the format and genre, else you’ll look a bit of a fool. Read other locked-room mysteries. Watched lots of film or TV that features a locked-room mystery. Work out how others do it, what the mechanisms are, what the distractions are. Enjoy figuring out these deceptions – then re-read or re-watch. It’s a really difficult format, but once you’re familiar with it, the whole creative process is a lot simpler.

Written by Mark Charan Newton

Mark Charan Newton is a British fantasy author. He is best known for his fantasy series The Legends of the Red Sun, published by Tor UK, an imprint of Pan Macmillan. He was also a reviewer for The Ecologist, UK's oldest ecological magazine.

http://markcnewton.com/

Those are actually very good tips and not just for “locked-room” mysteries but for any general mystery-driven plot. I think I just got an appetite for Drakenfeld!

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Creative writing: Unlocking the locked-room mystery

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The Locked Door

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: Feeling

It was a normal Friday evening, but I’d had a strange feeling all day, a feeling that something was going to happen. Wandering alone down the empty streets of Lishwood, I saw a huge desolate building. Somehow it was attracking, but frightening as well. I was hesitating whether I go in or go home instead. But so curious I was that I entered the imposing building. Surprisingly its door was open. I felt amazed by staring at the richly decorated hall, although it seemed to have been abandoned for many years, I couldn’t imagine why.

In the hall I found two doors; I opened the left door and entered a little room. Probably it was a girl’s room because there was a trestle-table with mirror in it. The room reminded me to earlier times as the furnitures were antique. I liked it very much, I could imagine myself living there. With growing curiosity I left the room and continued discovering the building. I looked round in every room, opened every door, but there was a door that I couldn’t open. It was locked. I felt disappointed in front of it.

That was the only door in the huge building that was locked, and I wanted to open it. I searched for the key but I couldn’t find anything in that room, so I started to scan the whole house. Hardly had the clock struck midnight when I finally found the key. But suddenly I heard a strange noise and I was terrified. My whole body froze in fear. ”Don’t be silly, Lily! ” – I told to myself, – ”It was just the wind. ” I went to the door with the key, but as soon as I had got there, I heard the noise again.

The Term Paper on Short Scene Door Room Enter

Resident Evil 3-Nemesis Bio Hazard 3-Last Escape -- Faqs/Walkthrough -- [by Rann Yong]Last update: October 1 st, 1999 Table of Contents 01. Intro 02. What's New 03. Controls 04.Characters 05. Walkthrough. September 28 th, daylight... II. October 1 st, night...06. Secrets 07. Mercenaries Game 08. Rank/ Grade 09. Miscellaneous 10. About 11.Special Thanks 01. Intro This is the first faq/ walk through ...

I began to feel really worried and tried to get out of the house. It sounded like the steps of a man. Slow and heavy steps. I thought he had noticed me because I could hear him more closer. I didn’t know what to do. I’m just a curious young girl and at that moment I cursed myself because of my curiosity. I hid under the bed of the largest room and was waiting in silence. After a while I couldn’t hear the man anymore, the feelings of shock and fear began to subside.

I crawled out from under the bed and was about to leave the building, but I saw the key on the floor that I dropped when I tried to hide. My curiosity came back so I walked to the door to open it. I put the key into the lock and turned it away. I opened the door, not prepared at all for what I was about to experience there. And then I woke up. It had been a strange dream, but frightening and exciting as well. I could say, an interesting combination of feelings. And so real it was that I didn’t even know that I was dreaming.

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• How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A narrative essay tells a story. In most cases, this is a story about a personal experience you had. This type of essay , along with the descriptive essay , allows you to get personal and creative, unlike most academic writing .

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Table of contents

What is a narrative essay for, choosing a topic, interactive example of a narrative essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about narrative essays.

When assigned a narrative essay, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my teacher want to hear this story? Topics for narrative essays can range from the important to the trivial. Usually the point is not so much the story itself, but the way you tell it.

A narrative essay is a way of testing your ability to tell a story in a clear and interesting way. You’re expected to think about where your story begins and ends, and how to convey it with eye-catching language and a satisfying pace.

These skills are quite different from those needed for formal academic writing. For instance, in a narrative essay the use of the first person (“I”) is encouraged, as is the use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense.

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Narrative essay assignments vary widely in the amount of direction you’re given about your topic. You may be assigned quite a specific topic or choice of topics to work with.

• Write a story about your first day of school.
• Write a story about your favorite holiday destination.

You may also be given prompts that leave you a much wider choice of topic.

• Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
• Write about an achievement you are proud of. What did you accomplish, and how?

In these cases, you might have to think harder to decide what story you want to tell. The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to talk about a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

For example, a trip where everything went according to plan makes for a less interesting story than one where something unexpected happened that you then had to respond to. Choose an experience that might surprise the reader or teach them something.

Narrative essays in college applications

When applying for college , you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities.

For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay.

In this context, choose a story that is not only interesting but also expresses the qualities the prompt is looking for—here, resilience and the ability to learn from failure—and frame the story in a way that emphasizes these qualities.

An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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